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Technology Camp Draws Appreciation from Participants

In 2009, more than 100 students applied for 10 spaces in our week long technology camp held at American University and UVA. AT&T and ING partnered with “the 100” to help bridge the digital divide. Below is a letter received from Jordan Bennett-Barnes, one of our tech camp scholars, expressing his appreciation for this summer's Tech Camp sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC:

Dear Mr. Hailstock:
 
My name is Jordan Bennett-Barnes. First of all, I just want to thank the 100 Black Men organization for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, by participating in the iD Tech Program at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, July 26-August 1.
 
I must admit that at first I was a little disappointed because I did not get my first choice class.  But, I came to my senses and I told myself that I would go to the camp anyway because it could be a good experience and it's not a bad thing to have knowledge about the area that they put me in.  The first day that I arrived at the college, my attitude was to just get through the week.  But what surprised me is that as the day went on, I had a serious attitude readjustment.  My mom always tells me that in order to experience new things, old things have to move over and make some room.  The next day I started to connect with the counselors, found out who they were, and saw that they could relate to us.  I was amazed at the knowledge that I gained over the week, as they taught us the ways to use the different forms of technology.  My area of study was Web Design and Flash Animation.
 
What also excited me was the experience of living on a college campus, having my own space, getting up in the morning to go to the dining hall, gong to class on time, and just getting a sense of the other people, some who weren't as mature as others -- understanding that this is what you need to be able to handle outside of the provider net that our parents give us.  Walking from place to place gave me a good experience that the real college students feel everyday.  Having my own room, being responsible for it, and getting the chance to connect with my other dorm mates was good.  
 
If I had to pick out one element that really made this camp, it was the counselor’s ability to keep us excited.  They were also hilarious.  They didn't talk to you like you were a kid, but they were your buddy, really connecting with you, and that's what made it easier for them to teach us about the intricate details of technology that we were using.  It helped us to retain what was taught.
 
I bet if the day campers knew what we did after they left, they would have been jealous.  We played games, went to places off campus to get a sense of our surroundings made it an even better experience -- and fun too.
 
I walked away with a better knowledge of how to create my own Web site for anything that I need.  For instance, I have my own business called TAKE COVER by JABB [see attached flyer to place orders please], and the skills I learned will greatly benefit me in marketing myself and my product on the internet. From July 26, I never wanted August 1st to come, for I thought it would be the end of a great experience, but it was actually just the beginning.  I plan to keep in touch with many of the people I met.
 
I know that all of this would not have been possible without the generosity of 100 Black Men.  I am thankful that, by reading my application, you saw something in me that would add to my life experience. As the week went on and others talked about the cost to get there, I realized how blessed I was to have you all choose me as one of those to receive the opportunity to gain knowledge of this new technology.  I am indebted to 100 Black Men, and I hope that, as I now prepare for 12th grade at Charles H. Flowers in Springdale, and eventually, college, your investment in me will not return void.
 
Please keep in touch with me and I will do the same with 100 Black Men, to learn of other programs that you all have for young people.  As the son of a single mom, she always encourages me to take advantage of opportunities to surround myself with positive male role models.  Since my dad lives in North Carolina, I don't always get that chance to be in his presence, but I am thankful that he is present in my life.  I know a lot of young, black kids don't have that.  I hope to be able to share some of what I've learned and the hope I have with others my age and younger.  
 
Thank you again Mr. Hailstock.
 
Respectfully yours,
 
Jordan A. Bennett-Barnes

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