Computer C O R E

As a board member of Computer CORE, I am thrilled to share my positive review of the work we do to help underserved adults in Virginia to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills.

Computer CORE is committed to providing access to digital resources and training to those who may not have had the opportunity to learn these essential skills before. We understand that in today's increasingly digital world, having basic computer skills is a necessity for success in almost every field.

Through our various programs and initiatives, we offer hands-on training and support to adults of all and backgrounds. We provide access to computers, internet, and software, and our trained volunteers work closely with our clients to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the technology they are learning.

What sets Computer CORE apart is our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. We understand that many of our students may be intimidated by technology or have limited access to resources, and we strive to create a supportive atmosphere where they feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new skills.

Overall, I am incredibly proud to be a part of this organization and the work we do to empower our students through digital literacy. Our impact is visible in the success stories of our students, who have gone on to secure jobs, pursue further education, and improve their overall quality of life through the skills they have learned with us.

I have worked in a number of capacities with Computer CORE and am currently in my second semester of teaching 13 students on development business skills to assist them in obtaining entry level professional careers. The curriculum offered by CORE is very well put together and addresses the needs of students both as individuals and as a group. Basic computer skills (keyboarding) and application skills (MS Office) are stressed in a very positive and supportive environment! The main objectives stressed are building self esteem, confidence and conceptual development to encourage mastery of the taught materials by each individual student. Progress is continually reviewed on a group level and students do receive necessary individualized attention in areas that require additional support.

I have known the executive director of Computer CORE for years and she is one dynamic lady. Over time I have been able to donate supplies for their programs and also facilitate a large, corporate in-kind donation on their behalf. This is a small organization that does VERY BIG things. They offer a comprehensive computer skills training program AND support for their clients so that they can get a step up into a better paying job, and a more secure life. The staff and many volunteers at Computer CORE are vested in changing lives and showing people that they can take control of their futures. What coudl be better!

I am in my fourth semester of volunteering as a computer and keyboarding instructor at Computer CORE.

CORE is an employment training program that focuses on computer and job search skills. It is affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).

CORE is truly a group effort by students, volunteers, and staff. Students and volunteers make a substantial commitment – two classes per week for five months. The students come from many countries; often have families; often hold full-time jobs; and often speak English as a second language. The volunteers are teaching the skills that they learned during successful careers. The new volunteers are always mentored by their fellow volunteers. The staff ensures the continuity of CORE. They screen the incoming students; provide the resources, including IT equipment, for teaching nearly a 100 students at five locations; work with businesses to hold workshops that complement the computer and job-searching skills taught by CORE instructors; and work closely with NOVA to ensure that students can both can earn college credit while at CORE and can continue their job-related training beyond CORE.

My efforts are continuously rewarded by the CORE students, my fellow volunteers, and the CORE staff. I see the students becoming more enthusiastic about, less imitated by, computers and job searching as the semester progresses. Their smiles tell that story. I learn much from the students and co-volunteers -- much about foreign cultures and much about the skills required to be a good teacher. And I am always amazed at the staff’s efforts and ingenuity for maintaining a well rounded job training program.

After working as a volunteer for CORE for seven years, I am more convinced than ever that the organization offers a great value to our students, to the community, and to those of us who volunteer. The basic computer training in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, completing professional resumes, and participating in practice interviews prepare the students to continue their education/training and to land their first job or to move up in their organizations. After finishing the course, students leave with new confidence in their ability to find a job or advance in their current jobs. As a volunteer, I feel very much appreciated by the students and get much satisfaction from working with them. CORE offers a great volunteer opportunity!

I am currently volunteering in my second semester as an IT assistant instructor. Computer CORE has a fantastic cadre of seasoned volunteer teachers and technicians who have mentored me and given me the freedom to instruct to my own comfort level and personal availability. Students are well-screened and largely eager to learn. I was absolutely inspired to watch my first class expand themselves over the six-month semester, moving from being literally afraid of the big box on their desk to becoming competent typists and proficient in Windows 7, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and basic internet skills - as well as receiving direct instruction on job-hunting, resume building, and other skills related to finding their dream job.

Computer CORE's reliance on volunteer instructors and corporate equipment donations keep their overhead down. Knowing that dollars are put to maximum use, I am also a donor. I highly recommend this organization to anyone interested in contributing time or money to directly making a fantastic contribution to eager individuals who are excited to improve themselves.

I have been volunteering for 7 years. CORE is unusually effective at teaching adults basic computer and job skills, better than other local nonprofits and the community college. The key is the volunteers. Volunteers hours are worth twice as much as a the cash donations, so CORE reach is bigger than it's small budget would suggest. The ratio of salary expenses to total expenses appears high, because the staff coordinates many many more volunteers.