Computer CORE: Building Confidence through Computer Competence
www.computercore.org

Seven years ago, Abderrahim Agermoune dreamt of turning his economics degree into a successful career in banking. The job market was tight in Morocco where Abderrahim, who goes by Abdul, lived with his parents and seven siblings. "I wanted a career where I could improve myself and see my skills growing," he says. "I didn't see that happening in Morocco."

Abdul's move to the United States in 2000 brought many new challenges. "I was alone for the first time, and it was hard to adjust," recalls Abdul, who settled in Northern Virginia near a friend who had moved from Morocco a few years before. "In Morocco, I had a big family, a college education and a job in banking. Suddenly, I was here alone, running food at a restaurant." Because he lacked the computer and English skills needed to pursue his career goals, Abdul says his self confidence was lower than ever. He needed help.

"Many recent immigrants find themselves in similar situations," says Kelvin Martinez, a volunteer with the Alexandria-based nonprofit Computer CORE, where Abdul enrolled in 2001. "There are a number people who—whether they grew up poor or are recent immigrants—lack basic skills that are critical to their success," Martinez says. "Computer CORE offers a community of students and mentors working through those shared challenges."

Computer CORE enrolls many students like Abdul for whom learning a few fundamental skills can make a world of difference. Average students take six months of general computing, English language, and career development classes and receive a free computer. Most importantly, they join a network of volunteers, students, staff and alumni that supports them during and beyond the program. "Computer CORE alumni often help current students land their first jobs," says founder Deb Roepke. "The evidence that our program works exists in the successes of our students and alumni. They are our biggest achievement."

To Abdul, Computer CORE was "a gift" that gave him the tools and confidence he needed to pursue his dream. Today he works as a financial analyst for Congressional Federal Credit Union in Washington, DC. He attributes much of his success to the support he received from Computer CORE. "If you had asked me six or seven years ago if I would be here, I would have said Ôno way,' " Abdul says. "Destiny puts the right people in the right place at the right time. For me, that place was Computer CORE."

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