Southgate Computer Learning Center Now Open

(RESTON, Va.) — If java means a cup of coffee instead of a computer programming language and a virus warrants a trip to the doctor instead of a scan of your system files, then computers may not be your cup of Joe (which still means coffee). But with the new Southgate Computer Learning Center now opened, children from underserved Reston families are brewing something much better — technology skills and academic success.

At a Dec. 11 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Fairfax County Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, scissors in hand, helped open the newest Computer Learning Centers Partnership (CLCP) computer lab, housed in the Southgate Community Center, which provides technology and literacy training for school-aged students in Reston.

"This new Computer Learning Center personifies the growth that Reston has experienced," Supervisor Hudgins said. "The Computer Learning Centers Partnership was formed 12 years ago, and since that time, we have made much progress serving Reston youth. What remains is the technology gap. The goal is for Southgate to help narrow that gap by providing technology and literacy opportunities to Reston children who otherwise would not have that access."

The Southgate computer lab features 10 state-of-the art computers, and provides after-school technology training and enrichment activities to underserved Fairfax County youths. The center, which replaced the one previously housed at the Stonegate Village Apartments complex, is an important expansion that will provide enhanced capabilities for greater Reston.

The new Southgate Computer Learning Center, much like the other 13 centers, is possible because of public-private partnerships among the Fairfax County Government and area businesses, organizations and individuals. Key partners for the Southgate opening include WIN-WIN Strategies Foundation, the CLCP Advisory Council, the Fairfax County Office of Partnerships and the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services. For more information call (703) 324-5171, or log onto www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships.

Freddie Mac Foundation Donates $40,000 to Fairfax County Homework Assistance Program

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Freddie Mac Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to the Fairfax County Office of Partnerships (OP) to support a homework assistance program at 10 Fairfax County Computer Learning Centers. The grant will fund the hiring of certified Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) teachers to provide homework assistance for four hours each week.

"The Freddie Mac Foundation is a huge supporter of programs that help children and youth succeed," said OP Executive Director Emily Bryant. "The Foundation has supported the homework assistance program in the past and truly takes an active interest in Fairfax County. In addition, principals at local elementary schools served by Computer Learning Center Partnership (CLCP) programs are helping to identify students who might benefit from participation."

As a component of CLCP, the homework assistance program provides support after school, at 10 CLCP sites. Using FCPS teachers to provide homework assistance, the objective is to reach more than 325 students. With assistant-to-student ratios of approximately 1:12, the program provides highly personalized help. In a recent evaluation of the homework assistance program, 84 percent of all students who participated saw a full letter-grade improvement in at least one subject area.

CLCP, sponsored by the Fairfax County Office of Partnerships (OP), administers 14 computer learning centers to provide technology access and training to assure digital equity and increase overall literacy for underserved children throughout Fairfax County.

Created by Freddie Mac in 1991, the Freddie Mac Foundation is dedicated to creating hope and opportunity for children, youth, and their families. As the largest corporate funder in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Freddie Mac and the Freddie Mac Foundation have invested more than $320 million in organizations serving the community.

Chantilly McDonald's Hosts Tour for CLCP Students

On July 12, students from the Computer Learning Center Partnership (CLCP) Chantilly site toured the Greenbriar McDonald's in Chantilly, Va. The tour included the kitchen, drive-in window and an overview of operations. The students enjoyed ice cream, cookies and soft drinks at the end of the tour.

Van Management, franchisee of the Greenbriar McDonalds, has partnered with the Chantilly and Yorkville CLCP sites. The company has also sponsored tours of its Fairfax Circle McDonalds for the Yorkville CLCP and provided Ronald McDonald for special events focusing on healthy eating and literacy.

Melissa Steward, Van Management's public relations and marketing representative, said "the older kids have an opportunity to learn about summer jobs and the younger kids had an opportunity to see how the food is prepared."

Hoop Magic Sports Academy Sponsors Computer Learning Centers Partnership Workshop

(FAIRFAX, Va.) — It's a slam dunk for citizens of western Fairfax County.

Hoop Magic, a fitness and educational facility on Murdock Street in Chantilly, Va., sponsored a two-day workshop for students from the Fairfax County Computer Learning Centers Partnership (CLCP). Students participated in computer training in Hoop Magic's 25-seat computer technology resource center, as well as basketball drills and practice in the expansive facility that houses seven basketball courts.

Tabitha, a CLCP student, commented that "Hoop Magic was great! The computers were very fast and the lab had space so people were not crowded. The place seemed to be a good place for family and friends to hang out."

Jonathan, another CLCP student said that "Hoop Magic was a cool place because it had space and had many basketball courts so everybody could play basketball, and it was fun."

"Hoop Magic is a tremendous resource to the entire metropolitan area, but especially to the underserved children that participated in this week's program," said Paulette Armstrong, CLCP program manager. "Hoop Magic's approach to educating and training athletes is a valuable experience to the young people that participate in our programs."

Founded by former Black Entertainment Television executive, Curtis Symonds, and his wife, Pat, Hoop Magic offers indoor recreation activities, fitness and exercise, meeting facilities for the community and a computer lab with a mentoring program for area youth.

CLCP, sponsored by the Fairfax County Office of Partnerships (OP), administers 14 computer learning centers to provide technology access and training to assure digital equity and increase overall literacy for underserved children throughout Fairfax County.

OP connects businesses, civic, faith and community organizations, and private citizens and other county agencies to address pressing issues, find solutions and develop innovative programs to meet community needs.

For more information about CLCP or the Office of Partnerships, contact Glynda Mayo Hall at (703) 324-5237 or online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships. Information about Hoop Magic is available online at www.hoopmagicsa.com.

CLCP Students Enjoy Day of Fun at Six Flags

More than 350 Computer Learning Center Partnership (CLCP) children, parents and staff attended a July 10 field trip to Six Flags in Largo, Md, for a fun-filled day of water rides, roller coasters, shows, games and other activities. Wearing their blue CLCP t-shirts, participants spent hours enjoying all that Six Flags offers. At left is a photo slideshow featuring some of the days events.

Prior to the field trip, staff and students hit the Web researching amusement park safety and rides, and planned out their day using Six Flags' online fun planner. One CLCP student, from the West Ford computer center, took planning the trip to a new level. "Before we went to Six Flags I made a planning sheet for the rides I was going to go on," the student said. "I got excited about the water slides and roller coasters, so I picked the ones that I never went on before to go on them this time."

Thanks to their pre-trip research, the students were much more than mere park tourists. As they rode the roller coasters and splashed in the wave pool, they understood the engineering and technology used to operate the rides. Of course, rides are only part of the appeal of an amusement park.

When not enjoying traditional amusement park rides, participants found themselves indulging in amusement park cuisine — as one student put it, "yummy food and all I can eat ice cream." At lunch time, the group rode a train to the pavilion for a catered lunch.

The entire trip, from start to finish is summed up by one site director's comments: "the kids had a good time, they said to tell you 'thank you" and "you guys are pretty cool to do all that for us.'"

A special "thank you" goes to CLCP co-chair Mike Savage for helping with the trip and taking the photographs.

Hybla Valley CLCP Partners with Mt. Vernon Police Station

Students Celebrate Black History Month

In February, CLCP students learned about Black History month. View this slide show of the Culmore center's activities. Students also participated in the Black History Month Read-In. The picture to the left shows CLCP Program Manager Paulette Armstrong reading at the event.

CLCP Volunteers Recognized

CLCP Volunteers and Partners will be recognized at the first annual Office of Partnerships Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on April 27th at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Green Hedges School Students Raise Over $300 in Less Than An Hour

Thank you to the sixth grade students at Green Hedges School and raised over $300 for the homework assistance program in less than an hour.

Academic One Donates Software

Academic One has donated 50 copies of their test preparation software for 50 CLCP and Project Discovery students to use as part of a pilot program.

New School Supplies for CLCP Students

Thank you to Wegmans for donating school supplies for CLCP students.

Thank you to Deloitte Tax, Navy Federal, and Price Waterhouse for helping out with volunteer recruitment efforts and to CDWG, Costco, and Staples for donating office supplies. Read More>>