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The Urban Technology Project is a collaborative effort of the School District of Philadelphia's Educational Technology Group and Communities In Schools of Philadelphia, Inc. This partnership provides recent Philadelphia High School graduates an Information Technology Pathway that prepares them for the on-demand 21st century workplace and helps put them on the path to employment in the Information Technology Field or undergraduate class work that leads to a two or four-year degree. Specific competencies and Industry recognized certifications include, but are not limited to: CompTIA A+ certification, CompTIA Network+ certification, CompTIA Server+ certification, CompTIA Security+ certification, Apple Computer's Help Desk Specialist, International Computer Driving License, Microsoft Desktop Support Technician certification, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Gateway Technician certification, and World Organization of Webmasters certification.
Digital Service Fellows (DSF)
Digital Service Fellows (DSF) Media Team is a one-year AmeriCorps apprenticeship in which DSF are mentored by video and media technicians. By providing support for in-school and after-school programs, DSF Media Team members are able to assist District teachers and students with designing media activities and projects that infuse technology into the educational process. Participants gain hands-on Information Technology, Media, and Graphic experience geared towards industry-standard certifications. At the conclusion of a DSF Media Team member’s year of service, that individual will be prepared to enter the next phase of the Urban Technology Project as a Computer Support Specialist, continue to work towards a two or four-year degree, or seek a full-time industry position with program partners serving the Information Technology field.
Computer Support Specialist (CSS)
The Computer Support Specialist (CSS) initiative is designed to enhance technology maintenance and support services. Now in its fourth year, the CSS program has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as a registered IT Apprenticeship program and is now providing support to over 31 schools and offices. The CSS program builds upon the DSF initiative which offers recent School District of Philadelphia graduates the opportunity to serve for one year as Information Technology apprentices with District master technicians. Computer Support Specialists are primarily recruited from the pool of qualified DSF alumni and graduates of District technology programs.
Not only do the Computer Support Specialists provide on-demand break/fix support, school Technology Teacher Leaders can now focus more time on implementation and application of technology in classrooms. The Computer Support Specialists are supervised and mentored at their respective locations by the schools’ Technology Teacher Leaders and administration.
Digital Miracles Project
The Digital Miracles Program provides an opportunity for students to learn hardware components, software installation, troubleshooting skills, and various software applications by refurbishing a used computer. Approximately 80 middle and high school students complete a 40-hour training and develop a service-learning project to apply the newly acquired knowledge. Upon completion, students show off their skills in a special family event, and get to take home the computer they refurbished.
Contacts
Edston Detrich II,
Urban Technology Supervisor
edetrich@cisphl.org
Sandra Foster,
Vice President, External Initiatives
sfoster@cisphl.org
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