News Release

Sept. 13, 2004

City, rural partners team up to offer world's leading computer certification to Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania workers in four counties, including rural areas and the urban areas of Philadelphia, now have access to the world's leading certification for computer technology through a pilot project called Project TIME (Technology Initiatives for Meaningful Employment).

The initiative, which will give workers access to the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) certification program, is a project of the City of Philadelphia, the Rural Collaborative and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation Inc. The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority supplied a technology development grant to fund Project TIME.

In addition to Philadelphia, Project TIME includes three counties: Centre, Clinton, and Potter. Through the project, 500 people in urban areas and 500 people in rural areas in need of basic computer skills will be identified and recruited to participate in the next year.

Using a seven-module training and certification program, ICDL validates each user's proficiency in the areas of basic computer competency, including file management, Internet and e-mail use, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Recognized as the standard in 135 countries, ICDL also certifies that license holders have demonstrated proficiency in basic skills.

About the International Computer Driving License

The International Computer Driving License (ICDL) is a globally recognized certification program that enables individuals to validate workforce-ready computer skills. The ICDL-US certification has earned the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Seal of Alignment recognizing products, services and resources that are in alignment with ISTE's mission and its National Educational Technology Standards. Based in Southport, Conn., ICDL-US is the sole U.S. licensee of the ICDL/European Computer Driving License Foundation. For more information, visit ICDL at www.icdlus.com or call 866.799.4235.

About the European Computer Driving License Foundation

The European Computer Driving License Foundation Ltd. (ECDL-F) is the governing body of the European Computer Driving License (ECDL) program. ECDL is an internationally recognized certification program with more than 3 million participants in more than 130 countries. The program is known as the International Computer Driving License outside Europe. ECDL/ICDL certifies that the holder has knowledge of the essential concepts of information technology and is able to use a personal computer and common computer applications at a recognized level of competence.

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