Urban Peak Wants to Get Young People Wired

Urban Peak, TeleTech and HP plugged-in and wired up with intentions to program a better future for homeless and at risk youth during a July 12 kick-off event.

A PC and Mac, equipped with software and hardware for various job-readiness classes, are the start of a promising computer lab where youth can learn basic computer operations intended to lay the groundwork for career success. Nancy Metzger, Vice President of Global Marketing for TeleTech explained that technical knowledge is a critical necessity for getting a job and keeping it.

"The doors are open," added Erik Lionberger, the program's coordinator. "Any youth can come in."

At 10 a.m. that morning, student Brandon Golston was already taking advantage of this opportunity, using a new computer as he worked with a program similar to Photoshop.

Kay Ramachandran, President & CEO of Urban Peak, says these programs are great for leading youth along a path toward self-improvement. In her eyes, many young people who come in lack life skills and confidence, which she considers integral to self-sufficiency. She hopes that through classes such as typing and résumé building, students will not only gain skills necessary to compete in today's job market but are also build the confidence needed to truly succeed.

Although the event is over, the program will continue to enrich youths' lives. According to Ramachandran, "This is a starting point where we can grow." -- Kimberly Berkey