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The key components that comprise the CLCP Program are: Technology Instruction, Enrichment Activities & Field Trips, TECH Club, Literacy & Reading Is Fundamental, Homework Assistance, Community Service and Healthy Snacks. All courses and activities are free to participants.
The 14 CLCP centers enjoy a very diverse population. Site directors promote the richness of the diverse cultures of the center participants, and encourage an international perspective and cultural understanding within the context of center instruction.
Technology Instruction
The primary component of the CLCP Program is technology instruction and includes:
Computer basics
Microsoft Office Suite
Keyboarding
Critical thinking skills software
Desktop publishing
Animation
Web page design
Hardware upgrading and troubleshooting
Video Production
Digital Photography/Photojournalism
Education Enrichment Software
Enrichment Activities
The enrichment activities for the CLCP include program content themes, field trips and special visitors. Monthly themes are developed and incorporated into the lessons to reflect a wide range of topics related to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), and to support the learning that is taking place in school classrooms. Enrichment activities, such as field trips and special visitors, related to the monthly theme or one of the other component areas, broaden the students’ perspective of the world.
Field Trips
Field trips for the students in the CLCP centers enrich and support the curriculum.
TECH Club
The TECH Club is comprised of two parts: the “build-your-own computer” component for children 12-18 years of age, and the "Volunteer Build" Partnerships that provide computers for children under 12.
The build-your-own computer component, a one week course, is conducted by a qualified instructor on an annual basis at each center. Upon completion of the course, the student is given the computer that he or she built, as well as an Internet account. These accounts are content limited for the protection of the students.
In 2000, a partnership was established with Booz Allen Hamilton and the Fairfax County Fire Fighters. Booz Allen Hamilton trains fire fighters in A+ Certification, and they in turn volunteer time doing computer repairs and upgrades for students too young to participate in the TECH Club. Site Directors are responsible for keeping an updated list of those children under 12 years of age who have completed the required technology content and are to receive rebuilt computers.
Literacy and Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
The CLCP participates in the Reading is Fundamental program. The program provides the students in the CLCP centers with books of their own, and encourages reading. Each center holds or participates in a minimum of three RIF events (book distributions) each year. The book distributions include reading events, creation of posters for the National RIF poster contest, and motivational activities which vary from center to center. Children use various software and graphics programs to write a story or to create and present a report on books they read. Others create posters with clip art, mazes and puzzles using clues from their favorite books or write letters to their favorite character.
The University of Virginia (UVA) has joined in partnership with the CLCP program to increase literacy and reading comprehension among the CLCP students. UVA professors provide workshops for the Site Directors and site consultation to enhance the methodologies of teaching with multiple modalities and to address literacy and multi-cultural learning challenges.
Homework Assistance
Each CLCP center has an established homework area where students may work on homework and receive assistance when they are not on the computers.
Service learning students from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College and volunteers assist students with their homework.
Community Service
Community service through the CLCP provides students with opportunities to serve their community, and develop their sense of belonging within the community. All centers participate in several nationally recognized service days:
Make-A-Difference Day in October
Valentines for Veterans in February
National Youth Service Day in April
Healthy Snacks
A healthy snack is provided daily at the centers.
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