VISTA

Volunteer In Services To America (VISTA) Program

History
of the OCCN VISTA Program

The Ohio Community Computing
Network (OCCN) VISTA Program began in 1997 with standard A*VISTA
members. In 2000 the Corporation for National Service (CNS) Ohio
State Office recommended OCCN be awarded a grant program. In 2002
OCCN operated a standards program and a grant program. The CNS A*VISTA
grant for the OCCN VISTA Program has been renewed four times. Since
its inception, 155 A*VISTAs have served with the OCCN VISTA Program.

The OCCN VISTA Program
sites are community technology centers which provide training and
access to disadvantaged communitites. In order to effectively help
the disenfranchised gain skills and confidence with technology,
the Community Technology Centers provide computer trainings classes,
tutors, mentors and one-on-one assistance. Technology skills, a
tool in the fight against unemployment and illiteracy, help people
in daily life – in work, for education, and in finding information.
The main goal of this project is to create, expand, and improve
Ohio’s Community Technology Centers in their efforts to provide
opportunities for people to use technology to support their individual
educational, vocational and career goals. This includes support
in areas such as GED test preparation, after school youth educational
programs, literacy education, resume writing, keyboarding skills,
office related software, and Internet use. OCCN’s mission
is to help the centers be successful in the programs and services
they offer.

OCCN A*VISTAs
strengthen and expand current community technology centers or help
create new community technology centers. The A*VISTAs do so by expanding
open access programs, strengthening the organizational structure
of the centers, researching additional resources for the centers,
creating resources (such as web pages or databases), creating or
expanding training programs, and recruiting volunteers and users.
Most of the A* VISTAs activities involve developing resources to
help sustain the centers.


All You Need to Know about VISTA Program

How to become an OCCN
VISTA


Program information and forms for current VISTAs

New VISTA Recruit Procedures

Current OCCN VISTAs

For additional information on the OCCN VISTA Program contact:

Gary Lambert

OCCN Executive Director

1021 E. Broad St.

Columbus OH 43201

Phone#: (888) 320-2723

Fax#: (206) 338-6503

Email

Robb Ebright

OCCN VISTA Leader

1021 E. Broad St.

Columbus OH 43201-3673

Phone#: (888) 320-2723

Fax#: (206) 338-6503

Email