By Madina Toure
Flushing residents will become more technology-savvy thanks to a new computer center recently opened at the Chinese-American Planning Council’s site in downtown Flushing.
The center, called the TWC Learning Lab, funded by a $52,000 grant from Time Warner Cable, will be incorporated into the council’s educational programs. Time Warner Cable Business Class will also provide complimentary high-speed business Internet and TV services.
Janice Won, the council’s interim president and CEO, said she is honored that the council will be the first community-based organization to receive two TWC Learning Labs.
“There are overwhelming needs in immigrant communities for access to state-of-the-art technology and secure and reliable Internet connection and the TWC Learning Lab in our new Queens Community Center will be a great resource for the Flushing community,” Won said.
Wajeeha Aziz, Time Warner Cable’s vice president of technical operations for Brooklyn and Queens, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the labs exist in 19 other locations in New York City.
“Time Warner Cable is proud to partner with such a strong organization like CPC to help bridge the digital divide for Flushing residents and provide them with access to e-learning programs,” Aziz said.
The council’s new lab has computers, laptops, tablets, computer software and high-definition televisions. The council will be able to provide new and refined courses in areas such as college readiness and vocational training, English as a Second Language, resumé writing and interviewing for jobs. People will also be able to conduct online employment searches.
In 2011, TWC committed to opening 40 labs in New York City by 2020 to offer low-income communities access to computers and high-speed Internet. Its total investment to equip the labs is expected to surpass $2 million. TWC’s Time Warner Cable Business Class will also be providing in-kind funding from Time Warner Cable Business Class.
Time Warner Cable has already opened 20 labs in New York City neighborhoods. In Queens alone, there are labs open at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, Woodside on the Move, Sunnyside Community Services, Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation, Greater Ridgewood Youth Council and Korean Community Services, Inc.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
