Partnerships

Calcasieu Parish School System

 

 The mission of INCITE (INvolved Community through Integrated Technology Education) CTC is to provide community technology centers that play a central role to erase or at least bridge the digital divide that exists between those who have access to computer technology and those who do not. The centers are funded through a one-year grant of federal monies from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Calcasieu Parish School System (CPSS) provides a variety of resources to support the CTCs.   CPSS serves as Internet service provider for both centers, assuring around-the-clock technical support for the T-1 connections. In addition, a full-time technical support person is available to support hardware, software, and infrastructure. CPSS Tech Repair staff ensures the functionality of all equipment so that MASTER Plan participants can take full advantage of center resources. An online technology help desk provides a full array of technical support functions.  CPSS also provides certified technology instructors. CPSS Technology Department provides ongoing professional development opportunities for all trainers and facilitators. The web specialist provides electronic support and a database for training assessment, surveys, and data.
 
Calcasieu Career Center It is the mission of the Calcasieu Career Center comprehensive Youth and Credit Recovery Program to intervene with at-risk and disadvantaged youth to ensure that they complete high school or obtain a GED and to ensure that these youth obtain the necessary skills for success in education and employment.

The Calcasieu Parish Career Center provides one part-time out of school youth recruiter, one part-time counselor, one full-time Credit Recovery lab instructor, and one paraprofessional.  In addition, six computers, tables, and classroom supplies are provided for the Credit Recovery Program.  Software allowing for GED and ACT prep is included, as is CareerScope software which allows the user to complete a career interest survey and skills aptitude test.  This program is partially funded through the Workforce Investment Act.
 
Simon Youth Foundation and
Simon Properties

 

 The Simon Youth Foundation Program focuses on school facilities built in Simon malls to provide alternative education programs for at-risk youth.  Programs are provided in partnership with local school districts, and in many cases, a national education partner.  Our facility is one of only 21 Educational Resource Centers in the United States and the only one in Louisiana.  Find out more about SYF's Educational Resource Centers at their web site: http://syf.simon.com/erc.aspx?pgID=426

The Simon Properties Mall offers a 2,880 square foot area for the South CTC.  This partner is committed to using its malls to provide economic and educational opportunities for the community.  All targeted facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury provides mail outs and other printable advertising expenses to attract new participants to the project, correlating with parish entities.  In addition, CPPJ refers clients of Section 8 Housing and Juvenile Drug Court.  CPPJ conference space is utilized to orient clients.
http://www.cppj.net/Default.asp