CITY OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Office of the Mayor
Thomas M. Menino

Graduation season brings hope to all those who are moving on. After all, a commencement is about a new start.
I have now participated in five Technology Goes Home graduations, the most recent occurred earlier this week at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Over 500 family members participated in the ceremony and each graduate completed more than 40 hours of computer training.

Like all graduates, they worked hard to get to the final celebration. With five grandchildren, I know how hard it can be to get anywhere - all together - on time. But they did it. And now that they have the tools, the question is – What are they going to do with them?

Already, many of them have put their skills to work. Some of the adults have gotten better jobs. And almost all of the kids are doing better in school. And I know that each graduate will continue to make the most of this great opportunity.

I have been to five Technology Goes Home graduations. And I really look forward to meeting the families who have completed this program. All of the graduates have great success stories to tell. And I know that countless families who graduated this week had similar stories – stories of hard work and remarkable achievement.

Stories like Natasha and Kostian Iftica’s. The keynote speakers – mother and son - graduated from the Allston Brighton Technology Goes Home program in June. Natasha, after taking part in a 16 week office skills training program, has found a full-time job as a librarian in Brighton and her children, through hard work, have been accepted to O’Bryant and Boston Latin School next year.

I want to thank all the organizations that pitch in to make Technology Goes Home a success. We have six Neighborhood Technology Collaboratives, composed of 60 community-based organizations. Six schools recently completed the TGH pilot program – and 14 schools are signed up for next year.

TechBoston leads the way for every class. And Wentworth Institute of Technology President John Van Domelen and Sandy Pascal and her team really rolled out the red carpet for our most recent graduates.

The program would not be possible without our partners. So many individuals and companies have stepped up to the plate, and their commitment has made a difference for countless families in Boston. Companies like Fleet Bank, Lexmark, Intel, HiQ Computers and Microsoft help make the program a success.

Understanding technology is a key that can open many doors – especially when it comes to education and the job market. This program makes sure that no one in Boston gets lost in the information highway.
(For additional information about the Technology Goes Home program or TechBoston please contact Rachel Gogos, 617.918.4286 or via email rachelg@digitalbridgefoundation.org)