CISC Offers New Computer Lab Programming and Open Hours

The Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC) provides exciting new programming and increased open lab time as a result of BTOP funding. CISC was founded in 1972 and its mission is tobridge cultures, communities and generations, creating opportunities for Chinese immigrants and their families to succeed. Today, CISC serves over 6,000 immigrant families each year. CISC helps Chinese and other Asian immigrants throughout King County achieve success in their new community by providing information, referral, advocacy, social, and support services.

CISC Lab Coordinator, Karia Wong, reports that CISC is now offering free computer workshops and open lab time on Saturdays, direct results of their increased capacity from the BTOP funding. Both are highly attended, as working or job-seeking adults and families with children do not often have time available during the week. Additionally, they are planning parent technology workshops - training parents to use online tools such as the Seattle Public Schools' "The Source" - at the same time as their youth program to provide childcare and training together. CISC continues to offer training on basic computer skills and Microsoft Office, helping immigrants gain employable technology skills and integrate into their new community.

CISC successfully partners with many organizations and companies in the Seattle/King County area, including Jefferson Terrace (another BTOP recipient), Microsoft, and Adobe. With their newly expanded training capacity, they are planning to provide technology classes on the Eastside (in Bellevue and Redmond) in partnership with the King County Library System. Stephen Lam, Elderly Program Director, says they have recognized a need in their community that they hope to meet by providing services and training in other locations. Soon, CISC plans to hold workshops in the Kent/Renton area in south King County.