Nine faith-based and educational agencies in Connecticut can better meet the needs of their clients thanks to computer equipment donated by the Hartford Field Office. Included in the donations were 54 computers, 6 printers, 2 scanners and other equipment.

Left to right: Students Miguel Cruz, William Nazario, Miguel Torres and Elvira Rivera explore some internal computer components. The boys are part of a state displaced worker program where they learn and upgrade job skills. These students are enrolled in ASPIRA's bi-lingual A+ Certification Prep course

Left to right: Alberto Ramirez teaches word processing skills to Angel Fernandez, Sonia Ochoa and Nelly Pinto as part of the displaced worker program

ASPIRA of Connecticut's Community Center in Bridgeport. The building is the statewide headquarters of ASPIRA, which empowers the Puerto Rican and Latino community through advocacy and the education and leadership development of its youth

The equipment will support a wide range of activities including teaching children and parents how to use computers and providing would-be computer technicians with equipment to repair and maintain. The equipment will also support a local museum's technological programs, help students prepare for Scholastic Achievement Tests and develop college essays, help job-seekers write resumes and help small business owners to fine-tune their business practices.

Receiving the equipment were Alpha & Omega Christian Academy, ASPIRA of Connecticut, Discovery Museum, Inc., Columbus School, Foot Soldier's Academy of Destiny, Girls Incorporated of Hartford, Saint Rose of Lima, The Bridge Academy, and Wexler Family Resource Center.