Release

UAlbany Students Participate in Digital Internship

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 27, 2005) - Ten UAlbany students are interning as teachers with the NY Wired for Education’s Digital Youth job readiness program “Digital Afternoons.” The interns assist high school students from Troy and Lansingburgh in afternoon classes twice a week to take on-line courses ranging from the basics of learning and dealing with personalities in the workplace, to the basics of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The interns are also responsible for recruiting, advertising, training and orienting the students in the program. The high school students also take courses in administration and personal development and focus on progression, participation and motivation. The program, which began on January 10, focuses on low-income students who have to take an exam to qualify for the program.

During the summer months, the high school students will be placed in paid internships at area businesses through the Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce, where they can apply their newly acquired skills. The Digital Youth program is sponsored by the Rensselaer County Department of Employment and Training and NY Wired for Education. It is made possible through the funding secured by Senator Joseph Bruno and County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino, as well as funds from the Workforce Investment Act.