Project Tomorrow (formerly known as NetDay) would like you to know that the information and links on this page may be outdated.
NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge Program
Santa Ana, CA NetDay Difference
Getting Things Done NetDay
AmeriCorps Bridge members are responsible for increasing computer
accessibility maintaining a minimum of 100 computers with at
least 85% of computers operational at all times. They teach
computer technology skills to a minimum of 20 teachers and
at least 50 students. Through surveys, logs, and weekly reports,
members measure the success of their efforts.
One-on-One Help at Pio Pico
At Pio Pico, every classroom has a few computers and AmeriCorps Members work
with students in small groups or one-on-one, leading activities to support
classroom instruction. They set up a lab of new computers and will work with
teachers to find resources and plan lessons. As part of an after-school program,
members helped students create a short video on safety and conflict resolution.
Technical Support at Monte Vista Members at Monte
Vista Elementary have eliminated the two to three week wait
for technical support. They fixed the campus video broadcast
system and keep computers in classrooms and the PowerUp lab
functioning. They provide answers when students ask: What
does this do? Or how do I...? Teachers rely on them to find
resources for lesson planning and kid-safe sites.
Building a New School at El Sol As a new charter
school, El Sol, is testing many new ideas as it grows from
a K-2 elementary school by adding a new grade level each
year. NetDay has helped the school find computer donations
and install them for use in classrooms, the computer lab,
and during the M.I.N.D. Institute after school program. Lee
Rogers, an El Sol parent and member, is setting up an email
pen pal program between El Sol students and a school in her
native Australia.
More Than a Job–Member Development
Each project coordinator tailors recruiting strategies
for the greatest impact on both the school and
in the members' lives. Project Coordinator Barb
Hayes recruited heavily in
Santa Ana on college campuses, in churches, and through other community centers
to draw from the vitality and knowledge of community
members. Many of the members are in their early
twenties and experiencing their first job.
"We wanted to
get a feeling for the community's needs," she said. "I use
them as my experts in Santa Ana. They live and work in the
community. And they are bilingual. They speak the language
and understand what it's like to not have English as a first
language."
Each member
commits to ten months of service with the opportunity to
sign on for a second ten-month period. They receive a living
allowance, experience, and four to eight hours of training
per month. The principal and coordinator help them develop
professional behavior and set boundaries. Two of the current
members completed high school and another is working on her
GED as a result of their involvement. All 25 members engage
in career planning, meet with business mentors, and create
resumes.
Strengthening Communities The selected schools in the Santa Ana
program struggle with the challenges of their community:
poverty, transient populations, and crime. The NetDay AmeriCorps
Bridge Members organize community service events each month
to address these needs. Events often involve partners and
youth volunteers. The members receive practical experience
in planning and implementing public events.
Community
Service events during 2002-2003 included:
Make
a Difference Day, Backbay Cleanup in Newport Beach
A
visit to Milestone convalescent home.
Assembling
food boxes for needy families at Pio Pico
Donor
Awareness Day and Blood Drive with the city of Santa
Ana
KOCE
live broadcast, call-in show as part of a parenting
project.
They
must register to vote and discuss current issues during
monthly training sessions.
