Knowledge Network’s Empowerment Through Technology includes Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Training and Certification, Advanced Information Technology (IT) Training, and a College Prep/SAT sub-program. The objective of the program is to empower youth with the skill-set, certification, and job experience necessary to compete in today’s highly competitive labor and academic market.

Program Components:
1. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
2. Advanced Information Technology Training: Web Design, Graphic Arts, and Networking
3. College Prep/SAT Sub-Program
4. Paid Internship Experience

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification:

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION Earning the MOS certification will enable program participants to be more competitive in school and in the workplace. While the average Microsoft Office user utilizes only 20% of its features, the MOS certification will train program participants to use 85% or more of its features.

“Research shows not only do Microsoft Office Specialists find work faster, they also earn up to 12% more than individuals who are not certified…71% of supervisors use Microsoft Office Specialist in hiring, promotion, and advancement decisions. This is because 89% of supervisors believe that Office Specialists are more proficient than none certified users, and 85% of all supervisors surveyed believe that certified individuals are significantly more productive.”

Advanced IT Training WEB DESIGN, GRAPHIC ARTS, & NETWORKING

The objective of Advance training is to teach students specialized high-tech skills that cover a wide range of IT specialization areas. Students will learn and develop the skill-set necessary to perform specific IT job functions that relate to careers in web design, networking, and Technical Support. The Web and Graphic Design training course will teach students to use professional web and graphics software like Adobe: Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, PhotoShop, and Illustrator. Students will also be introduced to computer programming and markup languages like Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Styles Sheet (CSS). This phase of training is hands-on and focuses on developing a professional portfolio that will later aid students in their employment search and placement.

College Prep/SAT Program

Knowledge Network believes a college education is one of the most critical tools for young women and men. Statistics report on average, individuals with a college degree attain significantly higher incomes than those with only a high school diploma.

The College Prep/SAT Program is sensitive to issues of poverty, homelessness, student employment, social injustice, family obligations and other social and cultural factors that affect many youths’ ability and/or opportunity to continue their education beyond high school. We hope to instill that obtaining a college education is possible by providing youth with necessary and critical tools, skills, and resources.

Eligibility Requirements:

>> Between the ages of 18-21
>> Meet low income guidelines

And ONE of the following:
>> Homeless or in a group home
>> You are a parent
>> Withdrew from high school
>> Have a disability
>> Ex-offender