The STAR (Southern Technological Advocacy Resources) Foundation was established in 1997 to serve low-income individuals and benefit the local business community by providing computer-based instruction and job skills training to low-income individuals. The program began as a partnership with the Brunswick Housing Authority where they would teach people how to use a computer. The initial “pilot” class of five residents had to share a computer, but all successfully completed the training and each continues to be gainfully employed.
In the years since, the program has expanded beyond the residents of the Brunswick Housing Authority to the broader community with over 797 graduates to date. Since the program does not receive any type of government assistance, they rely solely on foundation, corporate and individual support. In addition to providing computer educational programs, STAR also serves as a “recycling center” where individuals and businesses can donate computer systems that are repaired if necessary and given to program graduates and approved non-profit organizations.
The curriculum provided during the 10-week course includes computer skills such as keyboarding, Microsoft Office, Windows XP and Internet basics; job skills such as resume writing, workplace behavior and workplace ethics; and life skills such as budgeting, community involvement, homeownership, time management and conflict resolution.
In addition to benefiting these individuals, the business community benefits from an increased and better-trained pool of available workers and the community benefits as these individuals move from welfare to providing their own financial support.
For more information regarding the STAR Foundation, you can visit their website at www.starfoundation.org .
