Computer Resource Centers

Who we are…

The Computer Resource Centers (CRCs) bring something very unique and special to the portfolio of services that the Department of Parks and Recreation offers its patrons. CRCs provide a familiar place for New Yorkers of all ages to learn and grow 21st century technology skills. Housed in Recreation Centers city-wide, CRC’s offer computer and internet access, training, career services, academic support, and arts enrichment. CRCs feature over 350 PC and Apple computers, Internet access, and industry standard productivity and desktop publishing software. Classes and workshops focus on building in-demand technical skills.

Description and/or History:
How we work…
Our work begins by providing resources with potential for significant impact. Our technology resources and access are AFFORDABLE at a cost of a modest membership fee for adults and free to youth 17 years old and under.

Who we serve…

Over 4000 youth, teens, adults, and seniors visit computer resource centers weekly. We tailor fit programs and classes for each age-group’s unique needs.


Youth: CRC’s technology-based after school program represents the services every New York City student needs to be successful during his or her academic career. The curriculum follows the 9-month school year and teaches foundation skills. Students work on multimedia projects that integrate school subjects, stretch the imagination, and promote personal development. Students learn: how to safely and confidently utilize the Internet, graphic design tools, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Special programs connect youth with their international peers and foster global understanding and communication!

RECYouth: CRC teaches pre-teens and teens to use film as a medium for exploring characteristics of society and culture that influence their lives. Students gain a general knowledge of Media Literacy including film, video production and photography. Students are able to “read and decode” various media messages in printed adds, TV commercials, news shows, internet media and videogames. Students learn video production and apply these principles to produce a finished work.

Adults: Many adults come to the CRC never having used a computer. Through classes and workshops, CRC staff help New Yorkers build skills that link them to opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life. Adults learn a spectrum of software tools from productivity to multimedia and use it to work, organize, socialize, create, and innovate.
Seniors: Specialized classes provide individualized attention to seniors, helping them feel comfortable with the computer and teaching them how to create newsletters, book airline tickets, use e-mail, and explore digital photography and video, just to name a few.

POP: 100s of Parks Opportunity Program participants improve technological literacy and advance their job training goals through CRC classes. Participants learn to search for and apply for jobs online, improve typing skills, and use business software (MS WORD to compose business documents; MS EXCEL to create budgets; and MS POWERPOINT to enhance presentations).

The CRCs give New Yorkers endless opportunities – we are an outlet for creative, healthy expression and a place where people can learn invaluable technical skills that will ultimately help them to be more successful in life.

Contact people:

Olga Gazman, Program Director, (212) 255-3075, (email) Latisha Williams, Secretary, (212) 255-3075, (email)

Address:

430 West 25th Street NY, NY 10001 (See a map)

Directions:

Locations are in all 5 boroughs.