Harlem Teen Wins Intel Scholarship

Technology

The Computer Clubhouse at Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) is pleased to announce that long-standing member Christine Davis, 17, has been chosen to receive a 2009 Clubhouse to College (C2C) Scholarship from the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network. The C2C Scholarships are intended to provide resources to selected Computer Clubhouse members or alumni as they transition to post high school education. A key component of the Clubhouse program is C2C, which encourages Clubhouse youth to pursue studies beyond high school and realize their full potential. Christine was awarded the scholarship based on her commitment to the Clubhouse, community involvement, academic achievements and future goals.

Essays and recommendations submitted on behalf of the recipient also detailed her leadership in the Computer Clubhouse and dedication to the Clubhouse program.  C2C Scholarship recipients described their experiences in the Clubhouse and opportunities that the program has brought them. Activities such as peer mentoring, the development of college and career preparation skills, and projects collaborating with members from around the world through “The Village,” the Clubhouse Network’s Intranet Site — as well as face-to-face at the Computer Clubhouse Network’s biennial Teen Summit — are among the many highlights shared. “Christine has challenged and surpassed her abilities in a number of areas, especially in computer design, music performance and production, video production, Flash and robotics.  This past summer she was selected to represent our program at the biennial Teen Summit where she participated in a variety of projects in addition to documenting the event for a local public access cable show on Manhattan Neighborhood Network. I’m extremely happy that we could assist her through the Clubhouse as she looks toward her academic journey beyond our program,”  said Fred Riedel, HCCI Computer Clubhouse coordinator.

Funded by the Intel Foundation, C2C Scholarships are intended to provide the resources to selected Computer Clubhouse members or alumni to support their transition to post high school education. The Intel Foundation has generously committed $600,000 to the C2C Scholarship program over the next 5 years, which allows the Network to provide greater financial support and expand the number of scholarships to members and alumni who are pursuing secondary education.

Also established through a grant from the Intel Foundation, HCCI’s Computer Clubhouse program provides a safe and creative after-school learning environment where young people ages 10-18 from central and north Harlem work with adult staff and mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. At the Clubhouse, youth use high-end technology and leading edge software to work on self-selected projects, creating their own artwork, animations, musical creations, video productions, photography, and even robotic constructions. Clubhouse staff and volunteer mentors from Google, M.I.T., and Columbia University work with the young people, who become excited about learning and fluent with new technologies, while developing skills useful in their future careers and, more generally, their lives.

The Clubhouse maintains a gallery of the young members’ work and an ever-growing collection of their videos.

The HCCI Computer Clubhouse operates from 3-7pm, Monday through Friday and is located at 2821 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

HCCI is a diverse, interfaith consortium of more than 90 congregations established to revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, and spiritual conditions of the Harlem community.  HCCI has made a substantial impact on the social and living conditions prevalent in Harlem by developing low to moderate income housing; creating supportive health and human service facilities and programs; providing commercial development opportunities to local businesses; and expanding cultural programs.

From Moikgantsi Kgama