Technology bridge to employment: A Community technology initiative

As the economic gap continues to widen between the rich and poor, we will continue to see people (primarily the poor) experiencing a number of social problems, including being cut off from accessing modern technology. In many small cities and rural areas throughout the United States, there is sufficient evidence that shows poor people are not as connected to or knowledgeable about modern technological advances and their application within the wider society. This puts them at a disadvantage and hinders their chances for both professional and economic growth. The author involved in the capstone served as the volunteer lead instructor and coordinator of Technology Bridge to Employment, an eight-week, intensive computer-based job skills and life skills training program at the Baden Street Settlement, Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) Lab, and accomplished the following objectives: * Increased utilization of technology within an urban population with limited. Technology access, thus helping bridge the digital divide. * Increased personal and professional development of program participants. * Increased program services. * Increased Baden ATTAIN Lab usage, particularly during evening program