GRANTEE:                   CUNY Research Foundation

ADDRESS:                  199 Chambers Street

                             New York, NY 10007 

AMOUNT:                    $2,872,689

DURATION:                April 1, 2003 – April 1, 2005 (24 months)

POPULATION SERVED:         The project targets groups traditionally underrepresented information technology, who can be trained and placed directly in highly skilled H-1B occupations (i.e. women, minorities, and older workers).  Particular emphasis will be placed on recruiting the dislocated workers of the World Trade Center attack.  Approximately 3,600 people will be screened, of which a minimum of 444 unemployed, dislocated, and under employed workers will be served.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The project will target five occupation areas for delivery of IT training where current data indicates there is a chronic shortage of workers.  To address this need, the Borough of Manhattan Community College/Thirteen WNET project has developed a comprehensive curriculum that offers opportunities to participants from a variety of levels and computer backgrounds.  Completion of the training will result in a professional certification that will propel people into higher IT careers.  Training will consist of both; classroom based instruction and a guided practicum that will be aligned with industry standards.  The training itself will be customized to serve the needs of employers and will take approximately 6 months for completion.  Students will be assigned specific projects that will be developed in cooperation with input from private industry and will require participants to work as member of teams.  Student support services, including job search and job readiness activities are imbedded in the curriculum to ensure program participants are successful in making the transition to the workforce.

KEY PARTICIPANTS: New York City WIB, East Harlem Business Capital Corp, Deliotte & Touche, WNET Thirteen, Alliance for Downtown New York, Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement, Teachers College, Columbia University, Borough of Manhattan Community College.

MEDIA CONTACT:               John Montanez, Director of Grants, 212-220-8011