Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs
The Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs opened its doors
January 2004 and is the centerpiece of Project H.O.M.E.'s revitalization
strategy for the St. Elizabeth's/Diamond Street section of North Central
Philadelphia. The 38,000-square-foot, three-story mega-center is technologically
loaded with the most progressive hardware and software systems for education and
learning—the largest and most advanced learning facility to serve
low-income populations in Philadelphia.
Resources
Located on the 1900 block of N. Judson Street in North Central Philadelphia, the Center's programs focus on the integration of technology with art, education and enterprise. Programs are tailored to help the residents of the community—children, youth, adults and families—move towards greater prosperity by increasing their educational and employment opportunities through comprehensive technology and literacy instruction. The Center is equipped with:- 255 computers
- Smart Boards™ (interactive white boards) in every classroom to promote interactive learning
- The latest wireless networking technology to support flexible learning environments and accessibility
- Two of the classrooms are wired for distance learning so that classes can be shared with others in real-time.
Programs
Over 850 children, youth and adults benefited from programs at the Learning Center in 2005 with additional program expansion planned for 2006. The facility offers North Philadelphia children, youth and adults:- After-school programs with comprehensive literacy instruction
- Technology/computer classes for children in kindergarten through 6th grades
- Technology/computer classes that integrate arts and education into curriculum for 7th through 12th grade teens (web site design, video production, newspaper production)
- Art and music programs that include digital photography, computer graphics, as well as opportunities to compose music on the computer
- College and employment preparation and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth
- Adult education and workforce development program offering G.E.D. classes, individual tutoring, introductory computer through advanced technology classes, job skills and workforce development workshops and training, career track programs and support services.
- Community Partnership School—Located at the HLCCTL, Germantown Academy, in partnership with Project H.O.M.E., provides an innovative independent school program for talented neighborhood children with a focus on early childhood learning.
- Children will read at grade level, or above.
- Children will achieve or exceed their grade levels in core academic areas.
- Youth will graduate from high school and pursue higher education or employment at a livable wage utilizing their skills in technology.
- Adults and youth will become eligible for higher paying jobs.
- Technology and art will be integrated into the learning and life of neighborhood residents thereby expanding and strengthening the community.
