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TextLorton Computer Learning Center Grand Opening
Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935, FAX 703-324-2010
April 18, 2003
Media Advisory
Lorton Computer Learning Center Grand Opening
The Fairfax County Office of Partnerships is pleased to announce the opening of its newest Computer Learning Center in partnership with the Lorton Community Action Center at 9504 Richmond Highway, Lorton, in the Mount Vernon District. The Grand Opening Ceremony will take place Thursday, May 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. President of the Lorton Community Action Center Board Molly Lynch and Office of Partnerships Director Sandra Stiner-Lowe will speak about the impact this center will have in this community and thank the business and community partners who have made this community enhancement possible.
The Fairfax County Office of Partnerships’ Computer Learning Centers Partnership (CLCP) is a public-private collaboration between Fairfax County Government and the private sector. Its mission is to lessen the digital divide by creating state-of-the-art computer centers throughout Fairfax County to provide technology access and training for underserved youth. With major support from the business sector, which provides funding for computers, equipment and software, 13 centers are operating as of April 14 and more than 20 are planned. Most are located in subsidized housing developments, with support from the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development. Centers are also located in neighborhood resource centers, the Ox Hill Baptist Church and public schools.
In addition to computer literacy and technical training, CLCP offers enrichment activities that broaden the horizons of underserved children and target literacy improvement. The Reading is Fundamental program, and reading and homework tutorials help increase the children’s understanding and appreciation for literature and improve their comprehension of the CLCP training. Other CLCP activities prepare children for success by exposing them to experiences they otherwise would not have a chance to know. These include mentoring, golfing, field trips, video production and the TECH Club (Take Earned Computers Home) in which children earn the right to take a loaner computer home by learning to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on it. These experiences expose these children to technology early on, enabling them to compete in a technological world.
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, who is a strong supporter of the CLCP initiative, said “These centers are an example of what is good in county government. They provide access to technology to those who truly need it without drawing on the public for extra funds to make it happen.”
Corporate partners who contributed to this center include Cox Communications, American System Corporation, Venute Interiors, Microsoft and BerryRio.
Registration to participate at this center is ongoing. Members of the community are welcome to come by during business hours Tuesday – Friday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to register their school-aged children, 6 – 18 years old. For more information, call the Office of Partnerships at 703-324-5171, TTY 711.
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