FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2008

Oxford TechBridge Program Finds A New Home

Reproduced with permission:
Gap Community Courier, Engle Publishing Company, Lancaster, Pa. 

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Oxford, Pa. - The TechBridge program is known for helping young people on the road to productive jobs with GED preparation classes and certification courses that prepare them to enter the work force. Now, the program has a new home at 10 S. Third St., Suite 2, Oxford, right in the heart of the downtown.
     "I want the community to know it's a great program. Hopefully, this location will be more visible," said program manager and instructor Hivon Evans.
     TechBridge moved from its previous location in the Oxford Church of the Nazarene in mid-December. Although the program is taught in just one room, the large area has let staff members put in new computer stations and set them up so that Evans can get a better look at her students.
     "This is nice because I can see them. You can see from their faces if they need help," Evans said.
     The TechBridge program, which is made possible with funding from the Chester County Department of Community Development, begins with the students learning to assemble their own computer, which they get to keep upon completion of the course.
     Students who do not have a high school diploma then work on courses to prepare them to take the GED tests.  Those who have graduated from high school start with self-paced classes in customer service and/or office skills. TechBridge works with the students as they write resumes and prepare job applications, and continues to follow up with the students for a year after they complete the program, providing help and support. For some, TechBridge can be the pathway to a good job, while others will find that it is helpful in preparing them to move on to college.
     TechBridge is open to anyone ages 16 to 21 who meets income eligibility requirements. Students who start the program when they are 21 may continue, even if they turn 22 before they complete the program. Although the program year starts in July, students may start at any time during the year, and openings are currently available.
     “We definitely have openings, and I’m very excited to get new people in,” Evans said. “It’s open enrollment, so a student can register at any time.”
     Students who were identified and assigned an IEP (Individualized Education Program) in school are eligible for TechBridge at any time, without regard to financial eligibility guidelines. Because TechBridge students can complete the program at their own speed, it is ideal for those who need some extra time because of learning disabilities or other challenges.
     Evans explains that there are a wide variety of students who come to Tech Bridge. Some have dropped out of high school, some are teen parents, and others have faced various challenges that have prevented them from completing their education in the usual way.
     Helping those young people with problems is what the program is all about.
     "That's kind of what we want. We want to help out the community in that way," Evans said.
     Evans also works with area schools, so that students who might be helped at TechBridge will know it is available.
     “Oxford High School has given my information to kids who have dropped out,” Evans explained.
     Many times it is a parent who calls TechBridge for information, but Evans sees the most success among students who are motivated to come on their own.
     "We have a lot of success with the students when they put their effort in it. They just need to make that step to start on the right path," Evans said.
     The new location for TechBridge is already working well for the students. Evans explained that the tax preparation service store next door came to her and asked if there was a TechBridge student that might be interested in working as a receptionist. Alisia Boyer was available and eager to take that job. Even though she is now working, she will still have time to complete her TechBridge classes.
     "I like the program and everything about it," Boyer said. "The best part was getting a job."
     TechBridge also has a location in Coatesville, which moved to the Career Link at 250 E. Harmony St., Coatesville, last summer. Evans is hoping that the new location will help encourage more students in Oxford to enter the program. She invites anyone who might be interested in entering TechBridge to stop by and see the program in action.
     "They can come look. I don't want them to feel intimidated," Evans said.
     Road construction being done on Third Street in Oxford for the remainder of the winter, but TechBridge is still easily accessible with parking behind the building and sidewalks open to pedestrians.
     For more information about TechBridge in Oxford, interested readers may call (610) 998-2846 or e-mail hevans@henkels.com. The Coatesville office may be reached at (610) 380-1351.