El Centro Hispano to Hold Graduation Ceremony For Individuals Who Completed Computer Training Cycle

ARDSLEY, N.Y. - Jan. 9, 2015 - PRLog -- El Centro Hispano will hold a graduation ceremony for 53 individuals from the community who recently completed an intense 16-week, 64-hour cycle of computer training.

At a graduation ceremony to be held at 7 PM, Thursday at El Centro Hispano, 346 South Lexington Avenue, White Plains, the graduates will receive three certificates of completion from officials of Westchester County, the City of White Plains and El Centro Hispano.

The graduating class comprises adults of all ages who have developed computer skills in four levels of training. The levels and number of participants are:  beginners (12); intermediate (12); advanced (12) and Microsoft Access (17), the database management system that enable users to organize, update, and extract data, as well as create timely reports.

The non-profit organization, which recently celebrated its 40^th anniversary, has been providing an advanced level of computer training to the Hispanic community since 2009 when it opened the state-of-the-art Technology Center on its premises. It comprises 17 PC work stations, l lap top, an interactive White Board and high speed internet access and connectivity to White Plains Public Schools.

“Since the Technology Center opened, it has been in constant demand .Hundreds of adults have benefitted by participating in a wide range of computer training programs,” said Isabel Villar, founding executive director of El Centro Hispano.

She noted that creating the Technology Center addressed an urgent need as “many individuals lack access to computers in their homes and are far behind in their knowledge and use of technology.”

“The instruction and disciplined model we developed assures that we are equipping members of the Hispanic community with the computer proficiency skills they need in order to succeed in today’s ever increasing technology-based world—in the workplace, at school and in the home.”

The program includes training by three skilled staff instructors who lead the classroom course work in Spanish in a flexible schedule of weekly sessions including two- hour classes taught on Mondays and Wednesdays and four-hour sessions held on Fridays and Saturdays.

Typically, the class consists of a cross section of the Hispanic adult population including some business owners, blue collar workers, women who work as housekeepers and hairdressers and seniors.

The curricula are comprehensive starting with an introduction to basics including the mouse, functions of the key board, Microsoft Word and the Internet in the beginning level and progressing to the advanced level when students learn to do online banking, communicate on social media platforms, purchase products on Amazon and eBay and use the Drop Box, among other skills.

“In order to graduate, the student must attend all classes or make up for a missed one in case of illness or other special circumstance, be on time and pass mid-term and final exams,” explained Ms. Villar.

But the impact of this educational program has been considerable as evidenced by the many testimonials that El Centro Hispano has received from graduates. Among the personal game-changing experiences that participants have attested to are:

“I can now help my children with their homework.””

“I’ve learned how to use the computer as an educational and business tool and to make presentations.”

“My boss has begun to give me projects using Excel and is very surprised by how far I’ve advanced with technology.”

“I have now added a skill to my resume and feel I am more of a role model for my children.”

“I no longer have to ask help from my supervisor before using the computer”

After the gradation ceremony, El Centro Hispano will begin a new cycle of sessions in early February which will conclude with a graduation ceremony in late May. A summer cycle gets underway in early June and ends in late September when El Centro Hispano will again honor graduates of its computer class.

“We are providing a non-stop and essential service, one that we expect to expand as the Hispanic community continues to grow exponentially. Thanks to the generosity of our many supporters—individuals, businesses and organizations—we were able to put the Technology Center on the map. Their continued commitment, combined with the growing ranks of new supporters we continue to attract, will assure that El Centro Hispano will be able to continue its important mission in the years ahead.”

About El Centro Hispano

El Centro Hispano, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, fulfills its mission to strengthen the Hispanic community by offering a wide variety of bilingual programs throughout the year. The 25 programs currently offered by El Centro Hispano are changing the lives of our clients through Education, Technology, Services, Cultural Events, Outreach, Counseling and Empowerment, and through Special Activities. They include English as a Second Language, GED, and computer classes; tutorial and mentoring programs; scholarships to graduating high school seniors; literacy support for our youngest clients; Girl and Boy Scout troops; educational and informational workshops; weekly food distribution; free legal and Affordable Care Program assistance; sponsorship of cultural events; as well as translation services and assistance in finding housing and looking for a job.