WEST-END COMPUTER LAB RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP EXPAND COURSES AND DEFRAY OPERATING COSTS

HARRISBURG, May 28, 2003 - State Senator Connie Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) today announced that the West-End Computer Lab, a tuition-free program, recently received a $5,000 grant to help expand course offerings, and to defray expenses associated with the course materials and the support staff’s salaries.

The West-End Computer Lab, founded in 1999, is housed on the second floor of All Saints’ Episcopal Church located in the West End of Norristown.

“The Lab offers many computer courses to all ages within the community,” Williams said.

“It provides computer training for job placement, job promotions, as well as several basic introductory computer courses for senior citizens and other interested members of the community.”

The Lab also operates an after-school program for elementary level students of the Norristown area.

Several courses focus on using the Internet. Other classes include: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Windows 95/98, Typing/Keyboarding, and Quicken.

“This tuition-free program enables all members of the community to cross the digital divide and realize the same opportunities, training and enrichment that computers already afford the more fortunate members of the community,” Williams said.

“I am pleased the West-End Computer Lab received this grant to help it continue to provide cost-free quality computer training to the community.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the funding through its community-development projects program.