Baltimore promotes its Digital Learning Labs during 
National Black Family Technology Awareness Week

Baltimore, MD – On Saturday, February 15, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) will showcase its Digital Learning Labs during the celebration of the 5th Annual Black Family Technology Awareness Day.

Located throughout Baltimore City in the agency’s four One-Stop Career Centers and its Workforce Reception Center, MOED’s five Digital Learning Labs offer Baltimore City residents access to desktop computers, Internet resources and e-mail, and training in basic computer literacy and the latest software packages. Each lab is open six days per week, equipped with eight computers, and offers both self-paced and instructor-led training. Since opening in October 2001, the Digital Learning Labs have received more than 19,900 visits.

“By increasing access to and understanding of technology, we are enhancing the employability and competitiveness of Baltimore residents,” says MOED Director Karen Sitnick. “We are pleased to participate in Black Family Technology Awareness Day activities because ensuring that all residents have access to the skills and technology needed to secure and retain meaningful employment is essential to Baltimore’s future.”

The free celebration of Black Family Technology Awareness Day will feature hands-on demonstrations, exhibits and educational workshops for adults and children. The day is the culminating event for the Fifth National Black Family Technology Awareness Campaign, founded by the Baltimore-based Career Communications Group, Inc. and designed to encourage more African-Americans to incorporate technology into their daily lives. Partners and corporate supporters for this year’s campaign include the IBM Corporation, Kraft Foods, the Lockheed Martin Corporation, the National Black Data Processing Associates and NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering).

MOED coordinates and directs workforce development initiatives responsive to the needs of Baltimore City employers and job seekers. During its last fiscal year, in addition to opening its five Digital Learning Labs, MOED served 15,237 city residents through its One-Stop Career Centers, placed 6,055 city residents (including more than 500 welfare recipients) in jobs with an average hourly wage of $8.84, assisted 584 employers in recruiting workers, and placed 5,502 city teens in summer jobs.