PRESS RELEASES

Release Date: November 10, 2003
CONTACT: Lenore Neier, CSSNY, 212/614-5425

State University of New York and Community Service Society Launch State-of-the-Art Technology Lab in Bedford-Stuyvesant

New York, NY, November 10, 2003 – On Saturday, November 15 at 11:30 a.m., The Community Service Society (CSS) and The State University of New York (SUNY) will partner with the residents of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Complex to inaugurate a new ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) Lab, a state-of-the-art technology lab located in the Dr. Betty Shabazz Complex at 700 Gates Avenue in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

The opening of lab represents yet another milestone in the restoration and resurgence of this neighborhood. Over the past seven years, residents of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Complex and their neighbors from the Medgar Evers Houses have been engaged in a comprehensive community revitalization initiative with the assistance of their nonprofit partners, the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) and Long Life Information and Referral Network (Long Life).

"This lab is a huge benefit to both the residents of Gates and the community. It will enable residents to increase the likelihood of becoming economically self-sufficient, promote economic development in the community by linking residents with businesses, institutions and services, and foster academic skills that students need to succeed later in life," stated David R. Jones, president of CSS.

The lab serves as a satellite of the State University of New York's Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC), Dr. Lois Blades-Rosado is the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of BEOC. The lab offers computer training, Internet access, and a range of continuing education opportunities for adults.

The University's ATTAIN project was made possible through the New York State Legislature and is administered by the University Center for Academic Workforce development (UCAWD) under the direction of Mr. Vijay Macwan. The UCAWD is part of the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter Salins.

"In the very near future, approximately 80 percent of all newly created jobs will require a sound understanding of technology. By placing the computer labs in the community, we are creating parity for those without computer access," stated Mr. Vijay Macwan.

In late 2001, 75 percent of the nation's poorest households were still not online. It is reported that that only 25 percent of households earning less than $15,000 a year have Internet access.

"The addition of the ATTAIN Lab will provide vitally needed training and support services to the Bedford Stuyvesant Community. I salute the efforts of the Community Service Society in their efforts to improve the quality of life through housing, employment and economic development," said New York State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson.

The lab will be outfitted with 24 IBM computers that have high-speed Internet access and will incorporate hardware that can be easily upgraded to ensure that this technology center and its contents will not become obsolete within a year or two.

For over 150 years, CSS has pursued a mission that is aimed at the poor but which benefits all: to identify and eradicate the problems creating and perpetuating poverty in New York City. CSS is an independent, nonprofit organization that assists those in need to defeat the problems of poverty and more fully participate in productive community life.

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