GTECH launches youth<br> computer lab in Providence

PROVIDENCE – GTECH Corp. unveiled a new After School Advantage computer lab at Smith Hill Community Development Corp. with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 21.
GTECH’s donation of $15,000 worth of computer technology to Smith Hill CDC includes eight Dell flat-panel computers, educational software, chairs, workstations, an all-in-one printer, classroom partitions and new electrical wiring.
GTECH employees volunteered their time to help with the renovation by assembling desks and chairs and installing the computers and software.
“I am pleased that GTECH has continued their advocacy for education and youth programs in Providence by granting Smith Hill Community Development Corporation a new computer lab,” said Providence Mayor Angel Taveras at the ribbon-cutting. “Access to these computers will help youth from a variety of backgrounds stay competitive in today’s schools and eventually the workforce.”
As part of GTECH’s tax-stabilization agreement with the city of Providence, the company will donate a total of 30 computer labs to nonprofit organizations throughout Providence over a 10-year period. The Smith Hill CDC lab is the 28th After School Advantage computer lab launch in Providence under this agreement and the 220th GTECH computer lab launch worldwide.
GTECH executives and local dignitaries, including Providence City Councilman Terrence M. Hassett, Councilman David Salvatore, and Smith Hill CDC Executive Director Francis Smith, joined community members to celebrate the newly installed lab.
“We are often working to improve or level the playing field for all aspects of the families we serve,” said Smith. “Whether it is in the area of quality affordable housing, economic or social development programming or educational support, more resources are needed. This new computer resource center will go a long way in helping to level the playing field for those students who have no access to computers at home.”
The new computer lab will give Smith Hill CDC’s youth programs access to after-school programs to teach necessary computer skills.
“This donation will provide children an opportunity to utilize an influential combination of educational resources and new computer technology that might not otherwise be available,” said Robert K. Vincent, GTECH’s senior vice president of corporate affairs. “I am proud that GTECH’s After School Advantage program can support an organization so deserving within the city of Providence.”
On Tuesday, GTECH announced the opening of the 29th After School Advantage lab at Quisqueya in Action Inc., a Providence nonprofit whose goal is to increase the number of Latino students pursuing, accessing and succeeding in higher education.

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