NC Connected Partners with IBM for E.X.I.T.E. Camp

June 12 - June 16 - Denise Tawwab worked with the IBM Diversity Program team and a group of volunteers to immerse 30+ girls in a week of technology training. On June 15th Denise coordinated two classes to deliver NC Connected's web design training to the 30+ girls who attended IBM's E.X.I.T.E. camp. The students were taught the basics of HTML and each girl created her own web page.

NCC Offers WebCamp at East Wake Academy

March 20 - March 31, 2006 - For 2 weeks in March, NC Connected offered its WebCamp I program to 8 girls at East Wake Academy in Zebulon, NC.

The Girls Connected WebCamp Program is a series of classes that teach the fundamentals of web design to girls ages 10 to 17. Additionally, the program seeks to teach basic life skills, to discuss some of the hard issues that teenage girls face, and to expose the girls to succesful female role models.   [read more...]

Yvonne Ward, Chief Creative Director of Prodigal One Media and an NC Connected Mentor visited the class to discuss careers in Video Editing. Madeline Drayton, Realtor and NCC Mentor also visited the class to discuss careers in real estate. Both visits were part of NCC's ongoing objective to expose the girls to successful female role models.

NCC Girls Meet Award-Winning Author and Illustrator

March 9, 2006 - As part of the NCC Mentoring Program, and at the invitation of Librarian, Wanda Cox-Bailey, NC Connected students attended an event at R. B. Harrison Library. The featured speakers were award-winning author, Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrator of children's books, James E. Ransome.

The husband and wife team spoke at length to a large community-based audience. They freely shared the stories behind the many projects that they have worked on and discussed the creative process involved in writing an illustrating children's books. The Ransomes also gave a slide show presentation showing illustrations and stories created by their young children.

NC Connected was pleased to have yet another opportunity to present additional career options (author, illustrator, and librarian) to its students. Hearing the Ransomes talk about the computers and other digital tools used in producing their work impressed upon the girls and NCC Mentors who attended the event just how important technology is even in creative careers like writing and illustrating. Special thanks to Wanda Cox-Bailey for inviting NC Connected and for serving as an NC Connected mentor.

NCC Participates in IBM's Black Family Technology Awareness Week

February 25, 2006 - In its continuing efforts to close the Digital Divide, NC Connected participated in the Black Family Technology Awareness Week (BFTAW) events held at Carnage Middle School in Raleigh, NC. The international event is in its sixth year and is sponsored by IBM in partnership with Career Communications Group.

BFTAW is a public awareness campaign to communicate the value of technology to the Black Community and preparing Black children for future careers. This year students participating in the program took part in hands-on technology games and activities.

NC Connected is proud to participate in BFTAW because the digital divide still exists. Despite some gains, a significant gap persists between computer and internet usage among Black and White non-hispanic households. According to a recent 2004 U.S. study, "A Nation Online: Entering the Broadband Age," computer usage by Blacks lags behind that of non-hispanic whites by more than 14 percent while Internet usage by Blacks trails that of non-hispanic Whites by nearly 20 percent.

Studies also indicate that providing access to technology and technology education to the next generation is critical for preparing them for the careers of the future. "Technology has the ability to transform lives, communities and even nations," said Tyrone Taborn, the founder of BFTAW. "BFTAW has played a significant role in helping to generate awareness about technology's potential; however our task is nowhere near complete. To be successful, we've got to reach those people who are standing on the sidelines and encourate them to become actively involved in an increasingly technological world."

Triangle Area United Way Donates Computers to NC Connected

January 9, 2006 - The Triangle Area United Way donated 8 refurbished computers to outfit a training room for NC Connected. These donations were a result of the United Way's Teaming for Technology program where computers from local companies are refurbished by United Way staff and donated to local nonprofits to further their programs.

The 8 computers given to NC Connected will increase our training capacity and allow us to offer our services to more students.

The Zebulon Rotary Club supports NC Connected.

October 3, 2005 - The Zebulon Rotary Club made a cash contribution to NC Connected, presenting a $200 check to NCC President, Denise Tawwab at a Rotary Club social on October 3, 2005. President Brandon Smith offered encouragement and support for the NCC program offerings. Thanks to each of the Zebulon Rotarians for your support.

NCC President and 3 NCC Students Speak to Zebulon Rotary Club

September 2005 - Denise Tawwab, president of NCC, and 3 of her young students spoke at a Zebulon Rotary Club meeting in September. Denise and the girls (Katie, Jamillah, and Tianna) shared the story, goals and achievements of NC Connected with the club members. NCC's story was met with enthusiam and warm support. Zebulon Rotary Club President, Brandon Smith presented a club banner to each speaker and shared the principles of Rotary with the girls. After the meeting many members offered their services and support. Special thanks to John Gomez, club webmaster, for the invitation and warm introduction.