>From the Associated Press... -ac Program guides urban kids into tech-based business
BY MELANIE COFFEE Tonitta Fisher admits she was far from computer savvy when she decided to help start a technology-based business with a group of fellow Chicago high school students.... But under the coaching of technology experts, accountants and business owners involved in a developing national program for urban high school students, Fisher and her colleagues have learned about computers, the Internet and the logistic of a business startup. Today, the students have a professional proposal for an online tutoring and book-buying business, and they are being held up as an example of the success the National Urban League and Microsoft Corp. had hoped for when they set out to bridge the digital divide. ''Computer literacy is basic to success in our society, and it's critically important for people to fully participate in our society, as well as for career opportunities,'' said Barbara Holt, education coordinator of the Chicago Urban League. ''Without that literacy, then the disadvantages that people of color face is even wider.'' <snip> http://www.suntimes.com/output/business/cst-nws-teenbiz19.html ------------------------------------------------- Andy Carvin Program Director EDC Center for Media & Community acarvin @ edc . org http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org http://www.edwebproject.org/andy/blog/ -------------------------------------------------
