TCUM has eight state-of-the-art computer learning centers called STARS TECHVillages to offer virtual classroom and computer-based training modules to the entire community. Children, youths, adults, senior citizens, and local church members can take advantage of these free computer-based training classes and internet access to prepare them for countless education and career opportunities.

 

Training includes a suite of information technology courses such as Microsoft Office, systems engineering, web designing and computer networking. We offer a full slate of educational courses includes language and writing, mathematics and science, social studies and more for elementary, middle and high school students. All of these computer classes are offered to the communities FREE OF CHARGE!

 

TCUM and its partners have opened four of its eight computer learning centers at these locations:

 

New City center

2030 1st Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 252-8286

 

The lovelady center

7916 2nd Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35206 • (205) 833-7410

 

Holy Trinity world outreach Center

1010 16th Avenue West

Birmingham, AL 35204 • (205) 714-3077

 

Benjamin Green public housing COMMUNITY

3561 45th Street SW

Birmingham, AL 35221 • (205) 925-5882

 

The four additional TECHVillage sites will be announced later this year.

 

Nearly 20 years ago, we started Metro Camp, an intensive summer day camp created to offer academic, spiritual, emotional, and physical development during the summer months for more than 200 youths grades K4 through high school. We measure and evaluate students’ performances, and we use professional teachers, summer youth counselors and adult activity leaders. In the past, Metro Camp particularly targeted children from Metropolitan Gardens, a very low-income public housing community. But it has now been replaced with Park Place, a mixed income community, with two other underserved locations across the City of Birmingham.  

With our technology initiative, TCUM has modified its summer program in 2006 and renamed it STARS TECHCamp, which includes all the components of Metro Camp, plus the benefits that technology brings. 

The new component is TCUM partnership with distinguished media professionals and entrepreneurs that will offer their expertise to help campers with hands-on learning opportunities by creating three multi-media pieces: podcasts, a music CD and a magazine, both online and print.

 

For more information about our 2006 camp, click here: more info 

 

In addition to the summer camp, we also offered structured after-school enrichment programs help students complete homework and receive supplemental education enrichment in three age-appropriate groups. The Homework Center takes place five days per week during the regular school year and is staffed with certified teachers to provide academic leadership and evaluation. 

Like the camp, this program has been expanded with technology to include the multi-media component. This service has been renamed STARS TECHArts Academy, where arts stands for “At Risk Technology Supplement,” and it includes a year-round version of the music and multi-media piece offered during summer camp. 

The overarching purpose of the multi-media component of our after-school program is to provide youths in underserved communities hands-on exposure to the many facets of the publishing, recording and technology industries. Our aim is to convey the importance of formal academic studies for younger students and show older students a direct correlation between academic and market skills, which will motivate them to continue their formal education, whether it be high-school graduation or beyond, and teach them valuable skills that they can use in the 21st Century workplace.

 

For a white paper further explaining the concepts behind this program, click here: more info 

 

This weekly program for parents is designed to equip adults with effective parenting skills (appropriate responses to inappropriate child behavior), and life skills such as stress and anger management skills, financial management skills, and job skills. We also stress the importance of developing a social network to share information and best practices.  It is our desire that the parents who regularly participate in our parent support network will inspire neighbors to become involved in transforming themselves, their children and their community, either through active encouragement or through the visible manifestation of change within their own lives.

 These goals are accomplished through weekly meetings for parents during which they will be able to discuss various topics and topical seminars with guest speakers.