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I N S I D EMSDN Career Night
"We’re one of the most wired cities in the world, but there’s still much we can do to bring the benefits of this technology revolution to all segments of our city." -Mayor Greg Nickels Your opinion matters! If you are a Seattle resident, you can get involved in the needs assessment process by completing the Cable and Internet Web survey at or through the Office of Cable Communications web site.
Making Connections: PSACT Tech Talk For more information, visit www.psact.org, call (206) 850-1502; to RSVP register@psact.org. Have an old computer you'd like to make available to someone who needs it? Need a computer, peripherals, software? Putting off the recycling of old computer parts? Want to donate cash to help make it possible? If you've said 'yes' to any of the above, we might be able to help. We've compiled a new page that lists organizations that help solve the above problems to benefit the public. Check out our Free Computers page on our tech web.
The Seattle Public Library's historic West Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. SW, which has been under renovation, reopened on April 3. The $2.2 million renovation included converting a portion of the basement into a meeting room, providing more electrical and computer connections, upgrading the building's technology, creating a more efficient circulation desk and work areas, new furniture, better lighting and acoustics and an updated collection. The project was designed and reviewed with the oversight of Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board. The West Seattle Branch is a landmark building. The 94-year-old West Seattle Branch is one of Seattle's three original Carnegie-funded branch libraries designed by W. Marbury Somervell and Joseph S. Cote. It has the distinction of being the first permanent community library opened by The Seattle Public Library.
In 1998, Seattle voters approved a $196.4 million Libraries for All bond measure to fund improvements to all 22 existing branches, build new branches in underserved areas and construct a new Central Library. There are currently 17 active building projects under way. For more information about the building program, visit www.spl.org.
lake city gets
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Greg Nickels, Mayor Department of Information Technology BILL SCHRIER chief technology officer RONA ZEVIN director, office of electronic communications DAVID KEYES manager, community technology program staff  D.H. CASS MAGNUSKI editor |
Career Night at Rainier Beach
career night a rousing success
PSACT and a panel of eight from the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) teamed up April 7 to present Career Night at Rainier Beach Community Center. Close to 50 teens attended to hear about their work. The Microsoft MSDN panelists included: John Oberon, Tina Dow, Frank Martinez, Shawn Morrissey, Christine Haskell, Karen Dupuis, Kevin Ledley.
According to Ingraham High School student Justin Spence, "I enjoyed being there listening to the Microsoft pros talk about their experience and how they got their jobs. I even enjoyed the fact of where they got to talk to us one on one."
The event was organized by Sandra Mears, executive director of the Puget Sound Alliance for Community Technology (PSACT) and Anita Adams, executive director of the Rainier Beach Complex, with Betsy Aoki of MSDN.
The panel spoke candidly about their love for working at Microsoft, and emphasized that it is their passion for their work that keeps them involved and got them hired in the first place. They explained that MSDN is a section of Microsoft that provides information and links for programmers around the world who are creating new software based on Microsoft products. They explained that there are many different sections of Microsoft, which is actually more like a small city in itself, and that they are the section that deals mainly with software development.
According to Frank Ledley, "A lot of us at Microsoft would be interested in mentoring a teen programmer who would work with a Seattle non-profit to create a website. We've just been too busy to organize something like this, but almost everyone I've spoken to is interested in working with a young person in this way."
Besides writing code for new software, MSDN hires people as software testers, program managers, creatives, writers, and developers. One of the most popular areas of employment for young people is to be hired as a "gamer" where you are creating code for video games. Entry level positions for software designers start at $75,000. The panel stressed the importance of doing well in high school and finishing a college degree. They also stressed that Microsoft looks for people who are generally well-rounded, who think creatively ("outside the box") and have a genuine passion for something which drives their curiosity. In short, Microsoft is looking for well-rounded individuals, who have demonstrated an ability to work hard to achieve a goal, and who demonstrate a passion for their work.
Only two of the panelists studied computer science in school; the others had diverse backgrounds as technical writer, professional musician, poet, screenwriter, commercial fisher. Due to the expanse of information that MSDN needs to draw from, they hire people with backgrounds in technology, advertising, marketing, legal, writing and math/physics. Most of them were hired at Microsoft after being hired first on a part-time basis as a "consultant," which means they worked on a short-term project and got hired on permanently after proving themselves to the company. Most of the panel admitted to working an average of 50 hours/week, sometimes more. They wouldn't tell us their salaries, but admitted that they made 70% of the "industry standard" for their work. They said Microsoft was a great company to work for due to the great benefits and the emphasis on being well-rounded; i.e., Microsoft has several soccer teams, different types of clubs, etc., and emphasizes the importance of play.
Sherry Williams of the Technology Access Foundation, which is partially supported by Microsoft, spoke of the program which provides years of training for middle and high school students. People from other computer centers were also present, including the New Holly Computer Center and South Park Community Center. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Hall)
cable franchise update & survey
Franchise Renewal
The Office of Cable Communications (OCC) is currently managing the Comcast franchise renewal process. Comcast is the City's largest cable operator, serving approximately 170,000 Seattle subscribers with cable television, telephony and high-speed Internet service. Comcast's Seattle franchise agreement expires on January 20, 2006.
Needs Assessment
In preparation for the negotiations with Comcast, the OCC, in cooperation with the Citizen’s Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB), is currently conducting a “needs assessment” study that includes telephone and Web surveys, public hearings, and meetings with various special interest groups to assist the City in understanding the community needs and interests of Seattle’s citizens. A financial audit and technical audit will also be conducted to determine whether Comcast is in compliance with its franchise agreement. For more information regarding Seattle’s franchise renewal process of the Comcast franchise, please view the OCC’s Refranchise site. This site contains a general overview of the franchise renewal process and the latest news, information and opportunities for public comment. There will be a public meeting on April 28th from 5-7 p.m. in Council Chambers for those who want to discuss their experience with Comcast’s service or offer ideas for future services over Comcast’s cable system.
Take the Cable and Internet Survey!
If you are a Seattle resident, you can get involved in the needs assessment process by completing the Cable and Internet Web survey at or through the Office of Cable Communications web site. You do not need to be a Comcast cable or Internet service subscriber to participate. Your responses will help the City determine the future cable related benefits for Seattle and its citizens that may be included in a renewed franchise agreement. Please take the time to complete this survey. Your opinion matters!
city donates computer equipment
Last year the City of Seattle donated 542 used computers, 609 used monitors, and eight used printers to Seattle schools and non-profit organizations. This equipment, which is usually about three years old, is provided free to non-profit human service agencies and schools. If your group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, you may be eligible to receive surplus computers. For more information, check out our Non-profit Resources pages and download an application.ctcnet annual conference
Click here for registration details and hotel information.
Titled "Building Connected Communities: The Power of People & Technology," the 13th Annual CTCNet Conference will explore emerging themes under the larger framework of community building and its relevance for community technology centers as they engage and connect diverse communities to effect positive change. The Conference will be held June 11 - 13, 2004 in the Seattle area, and will feature nearly 50 sessions and a variety of special features, networking opportunities and other events, including a June 10 Pre-Conference Day of workshops and activities. More information on conference themes and content may be found here, and for schedule and session information see the conference program.
Scholarships Available
PSACT will provide a limited amount of financial assistance in the form of partial scholarships to the upcoming CTCNet annual conference for individuals who would otherwise not be able to attend. Individuals or organizations that wish to be considered should write one to two paragraphs on how they meet the eligibility criteria and email it to Sandra Mears at sandra@psact.org. She will let folks know whether they are awarded a scholarship, give them a code and direct them to the CTCNet website to officially register by May 13. Those eligible must be current CTCNet members who demonstrate financial need. More scholarships are available here.
listserv: this is not a typo
Yes, it's spelled without an "e," and more organizations are using listservs as an outreach and community building tool, but not always effectively. Listservs can be a powerful tool or they can contribute to email glut and create angry recipients. Get an overview on listservs and some great tips at our tech web page.
d.o.l.l.a.r.s
Technology and Media Services For Individuals With DisabilitiesDeadline: April 23, 2004
Purpose: To: (1) improve results for children with disabilities by promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) support educational media activities designed to be of educational value to children with disabilities; and (3) provide support for some captioning, video description, and cultural activities. Expected number of awards: 13; estimated total program funding: $2,900,000.00; award ceiling: $300,000.00; award floor: $100,000.00.
BEA FoundationDeadline: May 15, 2004
The BEA Foundation provides grants for programs that encourage the early intellectual development of pre-school age children to help them live healthy lives. Funding is provided for projects that achieve school readiness by age five; increase availability and quality of early care; and encourage safe and supportive communities where children have access to adequate food, shelter, and basic services, and are free from crime and violence. Typical grants range between $1,000 and $20,000 per year. All grants are for one year duration, with most grants averaging around $10,000.
AT&T Wireless Community Connections Award
Deadline: May 28, 2004
The AT&T Wireless Community Connections Award, sponsored by AT&T and NPower, is a national program to help nonprofit organizations use wireless technology to expand the reach and impact of their services. The award has three main goals: to improve public safety or enhance communications among family members through creative uses of wireless technology; to support nonprofits using wireless technology to expand the reach and impact of their services; and to highlight how AT&T Wireless' technology can be used by the nonprofit sector to positively impact its work. All projects receiving an award must either help reduce risks, prevent accidents, and protect lives by supporting initiatives that utilize the inherent advantages of wireless technology to help ensure public safety, or strengthen the well-being of families by applying the benefits of wireless technology in ways that enrich communications among family members.
l.i.n.k.a.g.e
Summer computer camps are filling up. A couple in the Seattle area include www.clickerz.org and www.giantcampus.com. They offer fun, creative, educational experiences for your kids. And more than just sitting at the screen!
Also see more in a Seattle P-I article, or do a search for Seattle computer camps.
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