Description

The mission of the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) is to be a "by teens, for teens" center that provides a safe and multicultural place of belonging emphasizing the holistic development of Lowell's young people. UTEC reaches out to these young people, builds upon their unique strengths, and creates opportunities to best support them in becoming agents of social change in the community and leaders in their own personal lives.

UTEC plans to organize and expand its youth development programming under the following centers: Community Building and Leadership, Education, Family Involvement, Outreach & Prevention, Work Readiness, Recreation/Sports, Creative Arts, and Multi-Media Technology.

Resources

Software

· basic office
· video editing

· web publishing
· photo imaging

Special

· CD burners
· Canon Cool Pix 990 Video Digital Camera

Training

UTEC plans on having training in web and graphic design during its first two sessions. We are also in the process of developing a "Technology Goes Home" training program (for teens and their parents/guardians), which will enable them to earn their own computer upon completion of the basic computer training program. Through our Video Technology Project, UTEC will work with a group of youth to develop teen talk shows, and organizational video, and a short documentary. UTEC also offers job placement assistance for teens.

Fees

UTEC membership is free of charge and is open to young people ages 13-19. All UTEC classes and weekly programs are free of charge as well.

Future Plans

Future classes include PC repair and basic network installation. UTEC plans to develop its own youth-run enterprise within the field of multi-media technology.