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CTI introduced the Center for Community Technology Support this fall. The center will provide on-going maintenance for software that has been developed by CTI students for outside organizations, in particular non-profits.
The center will coordinate efforts and act as a single contact point for students, faculty teaching the courses and the organizations that will benefit from the students’ services, says John Rogers, associate professor and faculty director of the center.
“It provides a way for students in classes to do community work,” Rogers says.
Charles L. Sykes, the center’s executive director and a CTI instructor, adds that the center also will give technical expertise for proposals that originate at DePaul
In the past, students have developed software for non-profit organizations, such as Youth Service Project, Association House and STRIVE, a program that helps adults enter the workplace.
Sykes says he eventually hopes to have space to host Web sites for non-profit organizations that already have Web access.
Rogers and Sykes hope to hire two graduate students and two undergraduate students who will write software, troubleshoot, develop Web sites, and install and maintain networks. The service will be free to non-profit organizations.
“One of the prime reasons for creating the center is to address the digital divide. We’re providing service for community, and it exposes students to the non-profit sector,” Rogers says.
“Students don’t always think about working for non-profit organizations, but perhaps some will now. It gives them another place to look [for a job].”
Assistant Professor Will Marrero will serve as the center’s faculty co-director. For more information, call Rogers at (312) 362-8334 or Marrero at (312) 362-5065.
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