Mission Digital Connectors

Fall 2007/Winter Spring 2008 Graduation Pictures

2008-05-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

On Friday May 9th, 2008. The San Francisco Digital Connectors held their program graduation in the community room at Valencia Gardens in the Mission District. About 80 family members, community partner and representing the San Francisco Mayor's Office presenting Certificates of Community Service signed by the Mayor Gavin Newsom were Emy Tseng and Michael MacCarty. Josh Becker was the Guest Speaker for the class.

The San Francisco Digital Connectors Fall 2007/Winter-Spring Class has provided technology services to the Mission and the Vis Valley Neighborhoods of San Francisco since October of 2007. They have installed 3 computer labs, trained over 500 families and provided over 1,000 hours of community service.

Program Graduation - May 9th, 2008

2008-04-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

As students around the country are heading onto the summer, the San Francisco Digital Connectors are preparing for their graduation. Over the past 5 years, One Economy has been implementing this program in San Francisco. Please come join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of 16 youth graduating from their Fall 2007/Winter-Spring 2008 Session.

86 youth have participated in the San Francisco Program between three affordable housing properties: Heritage Homes, Britton Courts and Carter Terrace since 2003 and 10 of those youth have come out from our Pilot program in the Mission District; where we have been working since October 2008 providing technology services to the Latino families.

On May 9^th, 2008 we will recognize the youth by having our Program Graduating in the Mission District inside the Community Room of Valencia Gardens.

JAMBOREE!!

2008-04-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 9, we had a jamboree with the mission digital connectors, Vis valley and San Jose. We went to Carter terrace to meet everyone and to have ice breakers so we all could get to know each other. We waited for everyone to get there and then we went outside, where it was hella cold!! We then went back inside to eat and introduce each other. we all ate and were talking and having a good time. Most of us that were there were going to the Giants game at 7:15. I couldn't go so i just went home. Everyone that went to the game told me it was cool and that the giants won! yay!!

-CECILY MARIE ALFARO =]

Birng it California

2008-04-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Tuesday April 8 we had an event called bring it home California. This event started at 3:30 but we had to earlier to prepare everything. When i got there their were many people already there it was a pretty awesome event.What we had to do was give people information about the bee-hive and register them in the website. We showed them many things about the beehive some people were really interested in it others were just doing to enter the raffle because in the raffle we were going to raffle a laptop for the person that had the most luck. Well it was really cool experience because I also learned more stuff about the beehive that didn't know before but know I do. The person that won the raffle was a young guy he seemed pretty intrested in the website and wanted to learn more so that's probably why he won it. Not only did they have a raffle but they also had food lots of food BBQ and lots of salads but I wasn't really hungry so i didn't eat much but cookies and cake. this was a great opportunity for people to learn what we did and to learn about the beehive. Imelda Guzman

BRING IT HOME CALIFORNIA...

2008-04-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

ON TUESDAY WE HAD AN EVENT CALLED BRING IT HOME CALIFORNIA. IT WAS A COOL EVENT WE GAVE AWAY A FREE LAPTOP AND WE SIGNED MANY PEOPLE IN TO THE BEEHIVE. EVEN MY DAD AND MOM SIGNED IN. I WAS LIKE WOW AND MY DAD WAS SAYING THINGS AND I DONT KNOW WHAT. BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT WAS FUN AND I MET SOME NEW PEOPLE AND FRIENDS

BRING IT HOME CALIFORNIA

2008-04-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Event that we had on Tuesday was at Valencia Gardens, there was a lot of different organization's there. The event started at 3:30, but the Digital Connectors had to be here at 2. Most of us were late! i was the second person to arrive. I had to put my Beehive shirt on really fast, set up my laptop, sign in people and go to the table to talk to people about what we do as Digital Connectors. I was overwhelmed with all the stuff that i had to do the minute i walked through the door. The event was a lot to handle with all the people coming in and out, but it was a great experience with being able to talk to a lot of people. We were raffling a FREE laptop but you had to sign up with the Beehive in order to try to win it. There was the president if one economy and staff. They had a BBQ outside and had a lot of people talk about Valencia gardens and the digital connectors!! over all i had a lot of fun and i hope w could do that again!

-CECILY ALFARO =]

SF Giants Game

2008-04-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Juan and I'm a digital connector. we went to the giants game on Wednesday. It was fun as hell like 4realz.
I love the giants, man I was wearing a junior giants jersey; everybody was looking at me like what is his problem but i didn't CARE it was fun
JUAN LEVERMAN JUNIOR [WOOT WOOT]
MISSION DIGITAL CONNECTOR *REPRESENTING!!*

SF Giants Game

2008-04-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

On April 9th the digital connectors went to AT&T Park to the Giants game. They were playing the Padres and won by the end of the game. It was really fun, I got a really big bag of cotton candy, it was delicious. I was walking around the entire park with Adrianna and Juan. We hung out with Vis Valley digital connectors, they were cool. A lot of people were throwing cookies at each other at the very very top of the place.
Javier Perea
SF digital connector

Bring it California Event

2008-04-09T12:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to the Bring it on California Event at Valencia Gardens, it was really fun and there was a great turn out, that place was packed. The president of One Economy corporation was there and a lot of other one economy staff. There was food, a lot of food, hot dogs, cake, BBQ chicken, little mini water bottles, man...a lot of stuff!! We registered people on the Beehive and in return we gave them a ticket to be entered in a raffle to win a new laptop. People asked a lot of questions about the Beehive and the digital connectors. Valencia Gardens has really cool animal statues, I sat on the cat shaped one. It was fun..AT&T was there, they gave me a little cool box thingy with a little stapler, pen, and staples. I took it to school today and everybody wished that they went and felt like they missed out. I think that a big amount of people learned about the program and what the digital connectors do in the community and for the community. It was worth going to and for everyone that didn't go, you missed out, GO TO ALL OF OUR EVENTS!!

Javier Perea
SF Digital Connector

Brint IT California Event

2008-04-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday April 8th, the San Francisco Digital Connectors participated in the anticipated Bring IT California event @ Valencia Gardens of San Francisco.

The event was the launch of One Economy Corporation’s landmark initiative, Bring IT Home
America, which marshals the resources of government, business, and the nonprofit sector around a
powerful goal: to extend the promise of innovative technology to expand opportunities for those who need them most.

We had a successful turnout and the San Francisco Digital Connectors raffle a laptop that was won by a resident of Valencia Gardens.

Guest Speaker Visit

2008-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

On Friday March 28th, the Mission Digital Connectors had the pleasure to meet Emy Tseng. Emy Tseng is the Program Manager for the Dep. Of Telecommunications & Information Services for the San Francisco Mayor's Office.

Emy came to talk to the youth about the City's Computer Purchase Program and also offered a conversation about her role in the Digital Inclusion for the undeserved communities of San Francisco.

We would like to thank Emy for sharing her vision and how the Digital Connectors have been helping some of the City's Projects like installing the Computer Lab inside Valencia Gardens.

EA.com Tour

2008-03-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

hello,
Today i am going to tell you about EA games my experience was a good experience. It was fun and it was also educational. It talked about a lot of things, like for example they talked about the creators and founders of EA. their original logo was a square, circle, triangle.

It was a fun and good expierience. and a bought a game. haha. it was 50% off. so I only paid 20 bucks plus tax; that was the cool part. it was fun, hope we do it again!!!

Juan Leverman, SF Mission Digital Connector

EA.com Tour

2008-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

The experience we had when we went to EA games was fun we got to meet new digital connectors from other areas. We also learned what people do there and what they do to make the games. Julie Winn was the women who gave us the tour of the place she took us to different sections of the buildings they even have a game store in there. They also have the games on the walls or pictures i guess you can call it a wall of Each game has a story to it and they get every detail of say a player in the game they get everything to their face and tattoos. There also games based on story's and movies it takes time to make a game and they test dive them before sending it in store. I didn't know there was all this stuff and all this things you had to do for a game or to work in EA games. The thing i liked most about this place was that you can go to school because they have a school in there so you can learn more about using technology. So this was a good experience for me..i just wish we got to play more but it was fun thank you EA games!!

from: SF Mission Digital Connector,
Elizabeth Garcia

EA TOUR

2008-03-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the 25th of march we went to EA games and took a tour it was great because we got to see things that most people don't see and also we got 50% off all the games that they had in their store but it was weak because I didn't have any money so it wasn't all that great.

I had fun in the tour because they let use play a bunch of games with different systems like the x box360, ps3 also the WII. the only thing that was weak was that they didn't let use play games like we thought we were but i got over it. But i had fun it was a great experience and I had a great time.

-Adolfo Garcia, SF Mission Digital Connector

EA tour

2008-03-27T10:25:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, March 25Th

The digital connectors from San Francisco and San Jose went to EA. We got a ride by our boss, not all the mission digital connectors could make it, but five of us did. We went to Redwood city to get a tour of the site. We got a tour by Julie Winn, she is the manager for Outreach Corporate Given. When we first got there we had to meet all the digital connectors and introduce our self's. We went inside and we got to go into the store to buy anything we wanted. We were able to purchase games for only $20. After the game store, we learned about all the games that were made, how they did real stunts for the game, about the history of how games were made and the people who made them. We looked at the game rooms they have and they were awesome! What i thought was cool was that they are able to use the game rooms to test out their games. EA also had a little park made, and they had a basketball court made. i thought that the whole experience from EA was cool and very interesting.

Cecily Alfaro, SF Mission Digital Connector

EA tour

2008-03-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the 25Th of March we went to Redwood city to EA.com with the San Jose digital connectors. We learned so much about video games and how they are created. Julie Winn was the person that did the honor to help us know about electronics she showed us around and showed pretty much how things work where she works at being the manager for Outreach Corporate Given. This was a wonderful opportunity for to expand our knowledge in video games. After Julie gave us the tour we got to play some of the video game systems that they had for people visiting. I decided to play the "Wii" it was really fun.Before all of this Julie gave us the opportunity to go to the store and purchase any games of our choice for 50% off discount.This was a great tour for us. I hope to go to more tours.
Imelda Guzman

EA.com Site Visit

2008-03-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday March 25th, 2008 the Bay Area Digital Connectors had the opportunity to take a site visit to Electronics Arts Institute (www.ea.com).

Julie Wynn, Manager of Community Relations and Corporate Giving provided a very informative tour about the History and how video games are being made @ ea.com. She also discussed about how ea.com keeps their employees happy and what type of job opportunities ea.com has to offer.

Three Bay Area Digital Connectors were invited to participate on the tour:

San Francisco Mission Digital Connectors
Mission Housing Los Esteros Digital Connectors
Eden Housing Digital Connectors

SF Mission Digital Connectors Computer Lab Damaged

2008-03-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

On Monday March 17th, 2008 the Caminos Computer Lab where we have been hosting our Mission Digital Connectors since October 2007 was damaged due to a 4 alarm fire on the building above 1470 Valencia Street.

The program was shutdown earlier on that evening and I was the only person inside the computer lab when it happen, usually on Mondays between the hours of 4-6pm our lab is full of Latino residents learning how to use the Internet and Computer Applications plus 10 Digital Connectors. Thankfully on that evening everybody was gone by the time the fire started. I was the only one inside the lab cleaning up and making copies for our next class.

"All I remember is the popping sound of popcorn but 1,000 times stronger, when I went back to the other side of the computer lab to check on the noise I realize that there was a fire going on the back wall of the computer lab; I got out as fast as I could.

The lab suffered damages from the water, lights and wood that came down from the apartments above.

Caminos organization is our partner in the Mission District of San Francisco and they need a lot of help rebuilding their computer lab. Our Mission Digital Connectors will temporarily work out of another Caminos Computer lab.

Leonardo Sosa
Regional Director, Youth Initiatives
One Economy Corporation

Valencia Gardens Computer Workshops

2008-03-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

On Friday March 14th the SF Mission Digital Connectors started to teach @ Valencia Gardens Computer Workshops; the workshops will be offered every Friday afternoon from 4:30-6:30 pm. The classes will be offered by the SF Digital Connectors and Regional Director Leonardo Sosa; the classes will continue until May 2nd, 2008.

The Computer Workshops will offer the following:
Introduction to Computers
Hardware Class
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Publisher
Internet Safety
Beehive and Zip Road

Valencia Gardens Computer Lab Set Up

2008-03-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

On Thursday March 6th, 2008 the SF Mission Digital Connectors set up 24 Dell Refurbished Computers for the Valencia Gardens Mission Housing complex.

The SF Mission Digital Connectors will start providing computer workshops starting on March 14th, 2008. Valencia Gardens Residents will learn basic computer skills; the Beehive, Zip Road and the workshops will go until May 2008

Thanks to the following partners on this collaboration:
Valencia Gardens Tenants Council
San Francisco Goodwill
San Francisco Housing Authority
Xtech
ReliaTech
Mission Housing
John Stewart Corp
Michael MacCarthy
DTIS

Mission HS Parent Internet Safety Workshop

2008-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday March 4th, 2008 the San Francisco Digital Connectors Provided an Internet Safety Workshop to Mission High School Student's Parents.

The workshop was offered in Spanish and English and attendees were trained on how to use the Internet Safely with the Beehive.

Digital Connectors also raffle software for the attendees. The Beehive Internet Safety Workshops is a collaboration between One Economy's Digital Connectors and the San Francisco Unified School District.

SF Mission Interviews

2008-02-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

Digital Connectors going around the Mission asking residents and community members about what would they do if the Mission had Free Internet Access.

SF Digital Connectors Video # 2

2008-02-18T15:02:00.001-08:00

SF Digital Connectors Video

2008-02-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

2008-02-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

My experience teaching my student Javier has been very cool, because he actually lets me explain what he needs to do and he does it right. It may take him a little bit of time but he learns and does it. He is a very good student. He actually puts attention and I know I might not be a good teacher but he makes me feel like I am. He can tell when I look tired or just frustrated he tells me “you know what lets cut it short today because you look tired”. My student is very nice and caring.

The second day that Javier came to the classes he wanted to go use the internet and look for a job. So we went on the internet and we went to a lot of websites, but the website that he really liked was craigslist. He thought of it as his favorite website because it had so many choices to pick from. He is a good student and I have helped him with his e-mail also.

by juan

Computer Classes

2008-02-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

So far my experience with my computer student has been really exciting. We have covered so many things. For example, the first day I taught her how to use office word. She was very excited to learn such easy things that a computer has to offer. Now days she knows how to type, indent, etc. a letter or anything she wants to write in word. After getting through with the office process I also taught her about adobe Photoshop. She now knows to open the program and how to put the picture she selected in the window. Once she got that through with she started to add effects on her picture she chose. At the end of the day she was happy to learn two things in one day. She shared with me that after so many years that she tried to figure some simple things she basically knows it.

The second time she came I thought her how to be familiarized with her email she recently had opened. By the second time she came in the lab she practically was doing everything on her own, I just needed to help her with some minor details. She wanted to know what other things her email has to offer. We scrolled around and she discovered that in her email she could save notes or appointments and be reminded the day she indicated. When she went to her homepage she was looking at the news or entertainment that was posted daily in. She was happy to know that if she read a very important article she could share it with her friends and family. The only thing that she needed to do was at the bottom of the article she had finished reading they gave her two choices, in those were to save it so she could read it next time or email it to someone. So she decided to email it to her brother. And something that she desperately wanted to learn for a very long time was how to attach a certain thing to her email that she wanted to sent to someone. So that’s what I did I taught her the steps how to attach a file from her computer to her email, she was happy to know how fast and easy it was to do that. Later after covering that step she went to her draft and she didn’t had any idea what that was used for. I explained to her what it was for, and when we went to her draft she had a whole lot of drafts saved that she never knew herself. After that, she asked what the purpose of the junk mail was. I told her that it was emails that she had erased and they go directly to the junk mail. I also told her that if she sends an email to the junk but she regret it and wants it back, it was simple to do. Click on your junk mail and click on the email you want to restore in your in box again. At the end she was happy to know all about her emails and small details that it implied. She mentioned to me that the next time she was going to bring her digital camera and wants to be taught how to save, sent, and share the pictures she download to her computer.

Adriana Morales, SF Digital Connector

Computer Classes

2008-02-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

Hortensia was my trainee; she was so excited to learn I was blown away by all the progress we made after 2 weeks. I taught her how to use MS Excel, Word, how to use the internet proficiently, use her email, compose messages and help her remember her passwords. Hortensia was currently trying to find a better job to secure her future and I only hope that I really helped her succeed and do well on her hotel management interview. While helping Hortensia she also taught me how to personalize my yahoo homepage, and about other websites to find movies, books, and TV shows (mainly in Spanish).

She was persistent on learning and took notes on just about everything I said. I’m very proud to teach someone so anxious to learn and she picked up to everything that she knew more about excel then I did. I’m pretty sure that she aced her job interview with flying colors and that she’ll keep picking up on how to use computers and improve herself one hundred percent.

Javier Perea, SF Digital Connector

Mid Term Graduation

2008-02-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

On Thursday January 31st, 2008; the San Francisco Mission Digital Connectors had their Fall 2007/Winter-Spring 2008 Mid Term Graduation.

The youth presented their "Where I'm From" Digital Stories to the guests and families that made it to the Caminos Pathway Computer for the Graduation. Nicol Turner Lee VP of One Economy was among the featured speakers for the evening.

The youth also received their laptop as part of their compensation for working in the Mission District providing computer training to Latino families.

Computer Classes in the Mission District

2008-01-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco Digital Connectors have started to teach Community Computer Classes to the Mission District Residents.

The classes are offered in English and Spanish. The courses that are being offered are Computer Basics, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. The youth are also teaching valuable content websites for the community like The Beehive and Zip Road.

The classes are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm.

247 Townhall Staff Visit to San Francisco

2008-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

On Thursday January 10th, 2008 Mohamed Bilal, Managing Editor, 247Townhall.org and Colin Lovett, Multimedia Producer came to San Francisco and work with the San Francisco Digital Connectors.

The purpose of the visit was to engage youth in the SF area to start producing their own videos and Digital Stories for 247 Townhall and our Web Properties. The youth were very excited about the use of Video Cameras and Flip Cameras. They were also introduced to the principles of Interviewing Techniques and how to develop their own community story.

SF Digital Connectors will start collecting stories from the community in early February 2008.

Lion Creek Crossings Computer Lab Setup

2007-12-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

On Saturday December 8th, the San Francisco and East Oakland Digital Connectors installed the Lion Creeks Crossings Computer Lab. The Computer Lab will provide technology resources to the residents living @ Lion Creek Crossings Affordable Housing. Phase II has been completed and the computer lab will be introduced to the community very soon.

Saturday Morning @ Malcolm X Elementary School

2007-12-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

Manual labor in the morning, what a better way to start of the day (sarcastic).

Even though I would of rather of been in bed on a Saturday morning I have to say that it was pretty fun to of gone to Malcolm X academy and of installed all of the computers for them. We had to mess around with the stuff that we didn't understand and test out some new ideas if something didn't work the way we wanted to. It was really exiting to know that you can do something like that for someone.

Thalia Marroquin

Malcolm X Computer Lab Set UP Saturday

2007-12-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, We the digital connectors went to Malcolm X Elementary School in the Hunters Point Area; to help setup a computer lab.

We separated into 2 groups, one that organized the computers, and another one that help find the Internet connection. After we did that, we help cleaned up the computers and then started setting up the computers. When we were done, the teachers came in and thanked us for our services. They did a dance for us, and then we took a bunch of pictures.

It was fun going to Malcolm X, and I can't wait to see how the next project will turn out.
-Theresa Davis

Malcom X Computer Lab Setup

2007-12-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Well on Saturday we went to Malcolm X elementary to set up a computer lab. We all taught it was going to be very challenging because it was all our first time but when we got their we had made an inventory separating everything and putting it in different places so it would be easier to find. After we did that we got to work well we all started to setup the computer lab as we were doing this it was really easy I didn't know I had it in me knowing how to set up a computer even though some stuff was challenging but others were really easy. I really think this was a good experience for me and my teammates. I think we really help out the school allot because they did not have a computer lab in their school but know they do and they can surf the web all they want to. I really like at the end how the teachers had made us a good job cheer it was really awesome and we really appreciated it. We really enjoy the experience we had on Saturday i hope to experience more.
Imelda Guzman

Malcolm X Elementary School Computer Instalation

2007-12-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went to Malcolm X Elementary school to set up some computers for the students at that school. When we got there they didn't have no computers installed at all; by the end of the day we had at least more than 10 computers for the children at that school. Close to the end of the day one of us got hurt got hit by a Monitor. It was kinda my fault because I wasn't paying attention and I was playing around after It was done so now i know not to be PLAYING AROUND IN A WORK SITE. IT WAS A FUN DAY. HOPE TO DO IT AGAIN SOON!!!!

Juan Leverman

Malcom X Computer Lab Set UP

2007-12-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

It was early in the morning [well not that early] and we were in the car with Leo going to Malcom X to setup their computer lab. I felt okay about going to Malcom X, I really thought that it was going to be hard and that it was going to take all day. When we got there it was calm and I was kind of confused on what to do, but when we got things moving it went smooth. We first had to clean up our space and sort all the equipment so that we could be organized and make things easier.

We then had some digital connectors test the Internet before we setup the computers, We then got split up into teams of two. We had top get our computer parts and set them up. I thought I didn't know how to setup a computer but surprisingly i did! The day went by fast and we fixed up the lab pretty fast. There were some moments where we had fun and we had an problem/accident but every one makes mistakes. After that mistake we went back so work and got everything done just in time. Doing this computer lab made me feel like i can do other things in life and I feel proud of myself after doing something good. I really liked setting up a computer lab and I'm looking forward to another one.

-Cecily Alfaro

Malcom X Computer Lab Setup

2007-12-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

When we went to Malcolm X Elementary school to setup computers I thought it was going to be hard But it was easy. All it took was a little team work and organizing the supplies to get the job done right. It was a lot of fun to and a good work experience because this way the first time I did something like this. It felt good doing something good for someone else you think its not really a big deal and at the time you don't but when they come and say "thank you" it feels good.

Especially when the Malcolm X staff sang us a song and took pictures with us the staff was really funny and silly so it was easy for us to be our selves and be more comfortable. That also made it easy for us to get the job done it didn't feel like we were working it just felt like we were having fun. This made us finish faster then we thought we would and we had help from other digital connectors to so we met new people and had fun while doing our job which is to help the community I like my job I'm glad i took it working here makes me have a sense of accomplishment

Mission Digital Connector
Elizabeth Garcia

Malcom X Computer Lab Set Up......

2007-12-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Last SATURDAY, MY FELLOW CO-WORKERS AND ME WENT TO MALCOM-X SCHOOL TO RE-SET UP THEIR COMPUTER LAB IT WAS HELLA FUN.......... I DIDN'T THINK THAT I WAS GOING TO BE AS PERSIST ANT AS I WAS SETTING UP THE COMPUTERS..... IT WAS REALLY NICE TO KNOW THAT I CAN ACCOMPLISH PROJECTS LIKE THIS THAT HELP THE COMMUNITY AND FUTURE GENERATIONS...

~ROBIN BONNER~

Malcom X project

2007-12-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

On last Saturday, the digital connectors went to the middle school Malcom X to set up a computer lab for the kids. It was pretty fun, we organized everything in place and it looked all professional. I think for the first time we did a good job.We had tp clean a bit but for the most part it was pretty clean. After we went to get pizza and it was really really good pizza, like amazing though. We were all very persisant in my opinion and it was a really good for learning.
Javier/Digital Connector

SF KQED Channel 9 Site Visit

2007-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday December 3rd the SF Digital Connectors were invited to participate on a KQED Channel 9 Tour Visit.

The learned about what type of technology is being utilized to broadcast programming for one of the most impressive public channels in the San Francisco area. Digital Connectors also learned about KQED radio station and learned about the type of skills you need to have in order to work in TV and Radio business.

We would like to thank Katheelen Acord and Steve for accommodating our Site Career Exploration Activity to KQED. The youth were amazed that the shift to digital production just happened four years ago. Steve was great, and offered great advice about breaking into a competitive field.

Malcolm X Computer Lab Setup

2007-12-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 11 members from the SF Digital Connectors came installed a computer lab inside SF Malcolm X Elementary School. Malcolm X Elementary School is located in the heart of the Hunters Point Neighborhood. One of the roughest neighborhoods in San Francisco.

The youth installed 10 computers that will accommodate approximately 400 kids between the grades of K-5. We would like to thanks Principal Foster for letting us come and provide a Community Service Opportunity to the San Francisco Unified School District.

Digital Connector Elizabeth Helping Resident

2007-11-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

Teresa Zavala, Mission Resident earned a laptop for being an excellent student @ Caminos Pathway Learning Center. The Laptop was awarded by the SF Mayor Gavin Newsom; thru a project between the Mayor's Office and Caminos Organization.

Teresa is taking Introduction to Computer Classes @ Caminos and would like to start using her laptop. She came into our program and asked if one of the Digital Connectors could help her out how to use her brand new laptop.

Elizabeth Garcia, Mission Digital Connector offered herself to assist Teresa. She will be helping her how to use the laptop as well how to use the Hot Spots around the Mission District.

Misson Digital Connectors Orientation Night

2007-11-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday November 14th, the Mission Digital Connectors Program was introduced to the Community, Family Members and Partners.

Digital Connectors Presented to the community their program activities and goals plus program objectives. After the presentation guest had the opportunity to learn about the Beehive, Zip Road and spoke to kids about their intended work in the Mission District.

See you in the Community!

Team Work (Orientation Presentations)

2007-11-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

Digital Connectors have been working in teams developing PowerPoint Presentations for the Community Orientation Night on Wednesday November 14th, 2007

On Orientation night Digital Connectors will present to their parents and community members the PowerPoint Presentations that will highlight the training they have received so far and future program activities.

EA Nonprofit Showcase

2007-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday Nov 6th, the SF Digital Connectors were invited to participate in the Electronics Arts Institute Showcase.

Two SF Digital Connectors, Adriana Morales and Juan Leverman participated in the showcase that highlighted local nonprofits.

The purpose of the Showcase was to raise funds for the Bay Area Digital Connectors Program and accept hardware and software donations from EA.com employees.

Bank of America Financial Literacy Workshop

2007-11-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

On Friday November Bank of America Employees, Josue Balladares and Gabriel Lemus came to speak to the Mission Digital Connectors about Financial Literacy and the benefits of having a bank account at a early age.

The Digital Connectors were really happy withe the Visit and had ask a lot of questions for both of the Guest Speakers.

Also Digital Connectors were eligible to sign up for a free checking Bank of America with a $25.00 deposit.

Guest Speaker from Bank of America

2007-11-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well today in Digital Connectors we had two guest speakers come i and tell us about having a checking account and how it can be useful in life. The two male speakers that came in were Josue Bonilla,and Gabriel Lemus. They told us about how if you have a checking account you can and can't give access to your parents. Also that if we were to make a checking account Leo will be getting $25 because he referred us to this and with that money he can improve this program.They also taught us about that this checking account we are doing if we do it will be free and we wont have to pay for it .That's not all we also learned about the fees and loans that you can get but you this loan will come with and interest rate that you will have to pay until you finish paying the loan.They not only taught us stuff but we received a frizz bee, poster and a CD holder. Imelda Guzman

Bank of America$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

2007-11-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Whatz Good Bloggers.....
Today at work Leo had presentors from Bank Of America telling us about their student account imformation. I found it very interesting becuase i got alot of imformation about student loans and fixed interest rates which were thing i wanted know for my future.....

Bank of America guest speakers

2007-11-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

The guest speakers that came to the meeting today where very informative and explained hoe we could open our own account.They told us how to have a student account where we could save in any amount of money and not have to pay any fee's thanks to us being only students. My concern about this is how w could cash in our checks without getting charged for it. Also what I was interested in is how to make investments at our age and to give access to people that might need it like our parents or maybe someone we would marry in the future. I guess I should really take all of what we learned in sense I already have a checking and savings account.
Thalia Marroquin

Bank of America Guest Speakers

2007-11-02T17:36:00.004-07:00

Today we had guess speakers from back of America their names where Josue Bonilla and Gabriel Lemus. They told use that we can make a checking account that will be only ours and our parents cant not get into it. They talked to use about college loans and how things work with that.

They taught use that we need to keep track of our money and not go over of what we have or eals we are gonna need to owe money to the bank. We asked questions and they answered them and after they told us if we get people into the bank we will get $25 bucks for every person we get. So for me that is a good thing making money off other people. In the end we took pictures with Josue and Gabriel and ate some DONUTS!!!!!!.

This was a great experience learning about the banking system and i thank them for taking time to come and talk to use.

Adolfo Garcia

Bank of America Guest Speakers

2007-11-02T17:36:00.003-07:00

Today we had some guest speakers from bank of America their names were Josue Bonilla and Gabriel Lemus.

They came in suits they looked like pros. They gave us free stuff like a frisbee and a poster and also a cd holder.they were very funny people.they was cool.

They came to offered us free checking accounts. It is free for 5 years because we are minors. Also they give us 25$ if we help someone open an account at the bank.

Bank of America Guest Speakers

2007-11-02T17:36:00.002-07:00

Today we had 2 Bank of America guest speakers named Josue Bonilla and Gabriel Lemus. They were dressed very professional in suits,they knew exactly how to answer our questions without getting tongue tied. Josue made everything clear how to create a saving account. He guaranteed us that if we open a bank account there is nobody that could get information from it,not even our own family members.

They also taught us to be smart with our money,because in the future the money we are earning right now is going to be very useful in our daily routine. If you open a saving account the first five years is absolutely free. They covered the subject that every high school student would be concerned about,and that would be with money that you would need for college.

Josue made it very clear and told us that we have to shop around with the branches that would be affordable to us, and he told us that in general. IF it comes to the point when we are going to purchase our car,house,etc. We have to go and shop and then when you gather information from the different places you have been searching you sit down and compare the prices,rates,and the benefits that would be useful to you.

Mission Digital Connector
Adriana Morales

Back of America speakers

2007-11-02T17:36:00.001-07:00

Bank Of America Speakers

2007-11-02T17:35:00.004-07:00

Today we had some guest speakers from Bank Of America that informed us about their bank. their names were Josue Bonilla and Gabriel Lemus. They talked about a student account and how it works. they told us that we would not get charged for things in our account and that its our own personal account and that we do not need our parents permission for it. They also talked making a checking and saving accounts. They talked a little bit about how we could get some loans for college and how the payments for them work. They informed us about all they fee's they charge and what percentages the use and what percent we wound get. They told us that we get money back for opening an new account. They told us that we could make payments on line for free because of a student account and that we could have this student account for five years. They gave us a lot of good information that is useful for starting a bank account.They also gave us their card just in case we had more questions, and we could go in and talk to them about other concerns about banks. This was a good learning experience for all of us and I am thankful that they took time out to give us a talk about their bank.

-Cecily Alfaro

Bank of America guest speakers

2007-11-02T17:35:00.003-07:00

Today we had some guest speakers from Bank Of America there names were josue Bonilla & Gabriel Lemus. They came well prepared an told us a lot of information we didn't know like how to make a checking and saving accounts.The good thing about them coming was that we could make a account with them. Rite away with outgoing to the bank and it was so much faster then going to the bank. They gave us gifts they brought CD holders,Frisbees,and a giants poster. We also got there cards in case we had more questions for them they gave us two different types of cards one for loan and another for teller.Them coming to tell us what they do and what they can help us with was very helpful and a good thing to learn I'm glad they came.

this was a good experience for the digital connectors were going to try working with them.So you guys should try making a account in the bank of America i think it would be a good idea.

Bank of America guest speakers

2007-11-02T17:35:00.002-07:00

We had guest speakers from Bank of America, they were very professional. They came in suits and answered all of are bank related questions, they were all really nice and informative. I learned about checking and saving accounts, and just how helpful it is knowing about bank accounts so that in the future you know your way around and aren't confused or lost. They passed out frisbees, posters, their business cards, and CD holders. I was curious to find out about fees to check out money out of your savings account more then 3 times a month. They explained how we could open an account and that legally nobody else could have access to it except the account holder. This was a good learning experience, that will be needed in the future. I thought that today was a very progressive day.

Bank of America Guest speakers

2007-11-02T17:35:00.001-07:00

Today guest speakers from Bank of America came to speak about Bank accounting. They taught us about the importance of having a bank account, collge loans and the different types of accounts. With saving accounts you can only take money 3 times a month, but with a checking account you can put in and take money out whenever you want. If you were to take money out of the account that you didn't put in, they would charge a fee. So if i took $2 extra, i would have to pay the $2 and $35 fine for each time I made a transaction. They also gave us packets also, so we could learn more about banking. I'm glad they came, because now I have more information about banking.

Mission Digital Connectors Marketing Toolkit and Campaign

2007-11-02T11:38:00.001-07:00

Digital Connector Deborah Estrada is preparing the Mission Digital Connectors Marketing Toolkit. The toolkit includes Beehive and Zip Road collaterals as posters, postcards, brochures, magnets, pencils and other souvenirs that the Mission Digital Connectors will start passing out in the community.

The San Francisco Digital Connectors will participate in a Mission District Marketing Campaign that will increase traffic to our main SF websites: www.beehivesf.org and www.ziproad.org

Digital Connectors will also be trained on how to promote our products and will collect valuable information about the campaign. This campaign will start on November 5th and will continue all the way to May 2008.

Caminos Wieless Workshop and Zip Road Introduction

2007-10-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

On Friday October 26th, 2007 the San Francisco Digital Connectors participated in the Caminos Pathway Learning Center Wireless Workshop that was offered to the Mission Community. The Mission Digital Connectors were invited to provide tech support to questions from the residents in regards of the Mesh Meraki Wireless Network installed by Caminos Non-Profit Organization.

Digital Connectors also introduced Zip Road to the Latino families that came to learn about the services that Caminos has to offer to the Mission Community.

The Mission Digital Connectors will continue to provide to tech support to the Latino families that live in the neighborhood with questions regarding the Wireless Network, the Beehive and Zip Road.

Caminos Mesh Wireless Network

2007-10-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

On Thursday October 25th, the Mission Digital Connectors started to test the signal strength for the Camino's Mesh Wireless Network. The Meraki Wireless Network has been installed by Camino's in order to provide Free Internet Services to the Latino families in the Mission District.

The Digital Connectors went out from their computer lab and took laptops to test the signal and locate access points. Some of the weaker access points could get a booster on the Wireless Workshop that will be provided by the Mission Digital Connectors on Friday October 26th, @ 4:00pm.

Digital Connectors will create a map that will highlight the apartments near Caminos Pathway Learning Center that might have access to the Mesh Network.

Digital Connectors will also give away Wireless Cards for residents that sign up for Zip Road (www.ziproad.org) and Beehive (www.beehivsf.org) Training as part of the Web Content resources Digital Connector's Program has to offer to the Latino Families of the Mission District.

ZipRoad

2007-10-25T16:37:00.001-07:00

In class we learned about the wireless net work and how to get connected to the Internet. W saw some wire less networks that were set up around the neighborhood. We also learned how to go around the Mission District to find out where people could get free Internet. Today we will be testing this and we will make a map on where a good signal is in the neighborhood.

Before learning about the wire less net work we got to see a website called Zip Road. I think that Zip Road is very useful website. It lets us be able to see rating in schools and to see other programs in school that we do not know.We could use this website to look into college. We could find tutoring and homework help if we need it. it is a way for our parents to try to help us find help or to help us do good in school. The website could help us find the right way to go after high school. I found some news that would help and a map of each school and the location of them. this website is really useful.

Some information that i would like to see on his website is some pictures of the school so we could see what it look likes. I would like to see a little more information about the schools and what they are rated. I would like to see how kids and parents are involved in schools and programs. Maybe see some ratings from parents on schools and programs. I would like to see if they had extra enrollments from the school,so other kids could try to get in the school they want.

Other resources i use to see schools is SFUSD to find a little bit more on schools. I do not use any other site about schools and i have not known any other website until we learned about Zip Road. I use the websites that are available at my school and i talk to teachers about different schools to see if they have anything to say about them. I find Zip Road very useful and it has more information about a lot of subjects that come in handy. I haven't seen any other website like this and it is useful to other people to use this website to get information.

What we have learned

2007-10-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

The digital connectors sound like its gonna be a cool thing because of all the thing that we are gonna learn and it can help use out in life.

So far it was been going great we are learning about wireless routers and how to connects to the wireless net work and how to set it up around your house and installing it in your computer and adding the program needed so that wireless Internet will work.

Trainig as a Digital Connector

2007-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well so far its only been one week but the training has been really good. I have already learned lots like right know how to blog, we learned about how to get free Internet access, how the internet works and how the city of San Francisco will soon be a wireless city so you would be able to get internet access anywhere you go. And how this works is with a small digital cheap device connected to your DSL that will be able to get free wireless internet. This device is called Meraki.

This training has also thought me about the website ZipRoad and how it works and helps people in the community. Such as helps people evaluate schools without visiting the school showing them the amount of students in each class and their test scores. Also tells you about tutoring homework help after school programs and Summer camps . And also gives you information and helps you get scholarships for colleges.

Overall this might not be lots that I've learned but its only been the first week their is still lots to learn. I have a whole lot ahead of me. I will be able to do many things by the time I leave from this program I will have lots of knowledge in me in technology.

Imelda Guzman

About Zip Road

2007-10-25T16:31:00.001-07:00

i think that zip road is a great web site because it helps students and parents to check out thing like school and after school programs that can help use out. it helped me out to check a collage that I'm thinking of going and i already made a appointment and i have their number to go check out the college.

somethings that i will like to check out on your web site like resources would be like how many students are in the school and if theirs any more room in the school maybe u do i just didn't find it but if not that would be a great thing to add in. and maybe more information like after school summer programs for kids that are 12 and older that are around their community and maybe some pictures of the school, but still its a great web site and i will be checking in to find more info about colleges thank you
-Adolfo Garcia
Mission Digital Connector
__________________________________________________

Me as a Digital Connector

2007-10-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

This first week as a Digital Connector has been very exiting. The training that we got wasn't so hard but it's a Little hard to remember so much in just one week. I really want to learn more engineering. I want to learn how to make mixes and downloads songs onto a CD. What I am looking forward to doing is finding new sights I never knew of. Also I really want to help my friends and families with troubles they might get on the computer like I use to have. But first I have to learn all that I can with the laptops and home computers.

It is kind of hard trying to keep balance with everything that i have to do daily. School, homework, Digital Connector work an on top of that tutoring help. But its actually kind of fun to be acting like a grown up that had a busy day. My parents and teachers tell me to act my age but now I'm acting older than that. It feels very good to of known you can do so much.

Thalia Marroquin

ZipRoad

2007-10-25T16:30:00.003-07:00

I think that ZipRoad is very useful because it lets us be able to see ratings in schools and to see other programs in school that we do not know.We could use this website to look into college. We could find tutoring and homework help if we need it. it is a way for our parents to try to help us find help or to help us do good in school. The website could help us find the right way to go after high school. I found some news that would help and a map of each school and the location of them. this site is really useful for a lot of things.

Some information that i would like to see on this web site is some pictures of the school so we could see what it look likes. I would like to see a little more information about the schools and what they are rated. I would like to see how kids and parents are involved in schools and programs. Maybe see some ratings from parents on schools and programs. I would like to see if they had extra enrollments from the school,so other kids could try to get into them.

Other resources i use to see schools is SFUSD to find a little bit more on schools. i do not use any other site about schools. I use the web sites at school and i talk to teachers about different schools. I find ZipRoad very useful and it has more information on schools than i have seen on any other web site. I havnt seen any other website like this and it is useful to other people who want to find out more about schools and programs.

Zip Road

2007-10-25T16:30:00.002-07:00

ZIPROAD is very useful and helpful to anyone especially for parents to see what kind off school they want to send there kids to. It tells you the address and it tells you what kind of test scores the school has so they now if the environment is OK for there kids and if the school is good.It also tells you how many kids the school can hold and how many kids the teachers are allowed to have in there class. It tells you what demographics they have in the school and the percent of students in that race; it also tells you about the information that's good to know.

This web site is helpful like i said before but something I would like to see in the website is a picture of the school the outside of the school and inside.for example like a tour online of the school so if someone doesn't have time to go see it in person they can see it online. I'm just saying because i think that would be good for the parents to have but the website is good you should check it out.

Other resources that I have used is SFUSD but I like this website better because it tells you the things straight forward and makes it easy to find what you want. In the SFUSD its kind of harder to find information and its more complicated. In ZIPROAD its more easy and simple that a kid can use it for there own needs and not ask there parents to help them they can be independent. Even though they can do it alone they should have there parents there so they can both learn something knew.

Elizabeth Garcia
SF Digital Connector

What we've learned

2007-10-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

we have learned alot of stuff on the 1st week of the program.Like for example we learned about the website that is called ziproads.Its a good website because it gives us information about the schools we have in mind for maybe their kids.it's a good program.We also learned about about this router called the mirake.What it does is that it looks for an open source network where it can use the connection and you can get an internet connection.We've also learned how to hook them up.

My First week at Digital Connectors.....

2007-10-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

I started my first week.... with a whole lot of drive and ambition for this program because I think its a smart project towards helping people with the Digital Divide in San Francisco Community.

Learning about the wireless internet has been extremely helpful and fun Thanks to
Leo cause if it wouldn't of been somebody else i don't know where i be... Its not hard to learn just Pay Attention! There is a lot things you have to comprehend about the Internet and The Wireless Network which takes time but luckily I've been catching on quick. Like for instance yesterday we learn about Meraki and Links(Wireless Routers) with was interesting because my mommy been paying money for comcast when it free..... Know that i learned that I'm going to be more of a Educated consumer.....

~Robin~

About Zip Road

2007-10-25T16:29:00.002-07:00

I think that Zip Road is a great web site because it helps students and parents to check out thing like school and after school programs that can help use out. It helped me out to check a college that I'm thinking of going and I already made a appointment and I have their number to go check out the college.

Somethings that I will like to check out on your web site like resources would be like how many students are in the school and if theirs any more room in the school maybe u do i just didn't find it but if not that would be a great thing to add in. And maybe more information like after school summer programs for kids that are 12 and older that are around their community and maybe some pictures of the school, but still its a great web site and I will be checking in to find more info about colleges!

-Adolfo Garcia
Mission Digital Connector
__________________________________________________

What have I learned so far?

2007-10-25T16:29:00.001-07:00

So far I have learned about Ziproad.org, a website that helps families get around the Internet, find schools, after school programs, college information, and tutoring. Also about the Digital Divide, it refers to the gap between those with access to digital technology, and those without it. How we can help the Mission community get up-to-date with technology and about Meraki, getting free Internet nation wide and giving everyone the opportunity to use the net. I now know that when your mouse stops working correctly, all you have to do is get some alcohol and some cotton swabs and clean the inside, then it'll work perfectly. Just yesterday I was taught about wireless routers, I learned a lot so far that I didn't know. I think that its a rewarding experience to learn about technology and am looking forward to furthering my knowledge on technology.

Javier Perea
San Francisco Digital Connector

Being a Digital Connector

2007-10-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday 25, 2007

So far working as a S.F digital connector has been very excited. Even though a week has past by I have learn somethings that I have never thought about. I remember learning about the Meraki is a device that helps you to connect to the internet but you have to have a DSL line to connect it to. Its a small device but it shows you how strong is your internet signal in whatever part you are in. In this training that I'm in I am decided to learn everything about computers that I'm still not familiar with, that way when i go out to the community i would help people and explain anything they want to be informed about based on what i learned.

It's exciting for me to know that i would help families, people with low income that can't afford internet access to get one for free. And to see how useful it is for every member in the family to know anything they want just a click away.

Adriana Morales
Mission Digital Connector

Mission Digital Connectors Comptuer Lab

2007-10-25T10:26:00.001-07:00

The San Francisco Mission Digital Connectors started working this week in the Caminos Computer Lab. The lab offers around 30 computers that Digital Connectors will use to provide Computer Workshops to the Latino Families.

Digital Connectors are learning this week about Zip Road (www.ziproad.org) and how to Set up a Mesh Wireless Network in preparation of the Wireless Open House on Friday October 26th, @ 4:00pm.

Mission Digital Connectors Program Launches

2007-10-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

On October 22nd, 2007 the San Francisco Digital Connectors added to their expansion the Mission Digital Connectors Program.

The Mission Digital Connectors will focus on providing technology services to the Latino families that live int the Mission District. Digital Connectors will provide computer workshops, distribute ATT DSL lines for families that qualify for that grant and will distribute Computers thru the OE computer purchase program.

Phase I of the program will happen during Oct-Dec 2007. During this phase Digital Connectors will receive training on the Areas of Internet, Wireless Networks and Computer Training.

Phase II of the program will happen during Jan-March 2008. During this phase Digital Connectors will receive training on Hardware Components and Youth Content.

Phase III of the program will happen during April-May 2008. During this phase Digital Connectors will receive training on Multimedia Applications.

During all phases the Mission Digital Connectors will also participate on Community Events providing Computer Workshops @ their computer lab and provide tech support to families in need.

Another aspect of the program will be to collect digital stories from the Latino families that we have helped in the community.

The Mission Digital Connectors Program Launches

2007-10-24T13:41:00.001-07:00

One Economy will build on the activities of the summer 2007 Program and leverage our four-year investment in San Francisco to expand and institutionalize the San Francisco Mission Digital Connectors program as a vehicle for youth-led Beehive (www.beehivesf.org) and Zip Road (www.ziproad.org) marketing and training, technology instruction and support, youth media and civic journalism.

Program Objectives

1. To promote technology via a youth-led Buzz marketing campaign:

Computer training and Tech Support to local CBO’s
Community events to promote Technology Services
Youth-developed ‘guerrilla marketing’ strategies to promote Internet Safety

2. To use Digital Storytelling to document how technology has helped improve the lives of low-income San Franciscans

3. To provide technology education and leadership development experience to 10 young people, ages 14 – 17, living in the Mission District