Dee Albritton speaks to City Council. Dee Albritton, executive director for Fast Forward, stood before Columbia City Council on Wednesday, March 4, and announced the good news. Fast Forward, a computer school for people who otherwise might not have the opportunity to learn computer skills, was recently told that Chicago- based CompTIA Educational Foundation's Creating Futures Program had donated online training courses for 100 individuals to Fast Forward to help develop core IT skills.

The Creating Futures Program provides career opportunities to groups of people historically underrepresented in the IT industry, including U.S. veterans, individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, at- risk youth, and dislocated workers. The program works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors education and training programs to help individuals obtain the skills the employers are looking for to enable them to secure IT careers.

"We commend Fast Forward on truly becoming a robust technology center in and for the community and using the online training courses in the most effective way," said John Venator, president and CEO, CompTIA Educational Foundation. "Fast Forward is working with VA Vocational Rehabilitation, the S.C. Security Commission, the Midlands Workforce Development Board, Family Service Center, the Cooperative Ministry, the City of Columbia, and other partners to leverage their resources and develop further IT growth for South Carolina businesses and citizens."

"This is a timely and exceptionally generous opportunity of which we will make the best possible use," commented director Albritton. "The 50 online training courses for advanced computer certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Server+) and 50 additional online training courses for CompTIA's new Microsoft Office studies cover a spectrum of skills from the very basic to more advanced credentials that will enrich our community's IT talent pool."

All candidate applications are screened before being selected for the Creating Futures program. Training, mentoring, courseware, practice exams, and certification vouchers are provided at no cost to these individuals. Fast Forward also will offer students a place to do the online classes, a blog and wifi for students to communicate with each other, and a place for study groups to meet.

"Earning the credentials of nationally recognized training at no cost for the advanced courses will open the door to employment opportunities to some of our most deserving and often challenged citizens," added Albritton.

Adults are welcome to use the Fast Forward center Monday- Friday, 9 am until 3 pm. Fast Forward's Homefront Readiness program works with veterans to help prepare them for the changing job market. Veterans work on resumes, learn technology, prepare for and take WorkKeys Assessments and job counseling.

Albritton was pleased to report 25 of her program graduates had just scored career- track full- time jobs through Pittsburgh- based Bender Consulting Services, a for- profit company where over 90% of the employees are people with disabilities. Such success has attracted Bender Consulting to film their national promotional video at Fast Forward, covering adult education while Fast Forward also pushes programs for kids.

Area preschools visit Fast Forward for their students to use technology. The preschool's program is full, but Fast Forward invites calls for future schedules.

Summer camps for elementary school kids are already scheduled and filling up fast.

For rising first and second graders, there is "Do Re Mi," the making of musical instruments, weeks of June 16 and June 30. Also, there is "Exploring Science," weeks of June 23 and July 7.

For rising third and fourth graders, there is "Digital Camera," technologically savvy photography, weeks of June 16 and 30. Also, there is "Continental Divide," worldwide geography, weeks June 23 and July 7. And back by popular demand, there is "Island Adventure," the design of islands and their cultures and creatures, weeks June 16, 23 and July 7.

For rising fifth and sixth graders, there is "It Makes a Village," exercises in urban design, weeks June 16 and June 30. Also, there is a more advanced "Digital Camera," weeks of June 23 and July 7. And there is "Capture the World," making films about cities around the world.

Albritton's Fast Forward opened in 1999. She and her faculty/staff have served over 6,000 people from ages 2 to 87. Fast Forward is located in the fully accessible former dualentrance laundromat at 3223 Devine Street, facing Dreher High School across Millwood Avenue. The landline there is 343.2577. To visit their Web site, go to www.fastforwardctc.com.