News Release

July 18, 2005

Rendell Administration Announces Launch of ProjectTIME

HARRISBURG : Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky today announced the launch of a new basic computer technology initiative, Project TIME (Technology Initiatives for Meaningful Employment). This initiative will offer individuals in Philadelphia , Centre, Clinton and Potter counties access to the world's leading certification program, the International Computer Driving License (ICDL).

“By investing in programs like Project TIME, the Commonwealth is creating a strong, computer literate workforce for the 21st Century,” said Secretary Yablonsky. “The Rendell Administration is committed to providing the resources Pennsylvanians need to advance and succeed in the workplace.”

ICDL will offer training to 500 individuals from Philadelphia County region and 500 individuals from select Pennsylvania rural areas. The program will promote and encourage computer literacy through education for individuals in these areas, and the ICDL certification will provide proof that program participants have mastered basic computer skills.

The Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA) provided a $430,800 grant for Project TIME, a project of the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on Technology, a Rural Collaborative and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation Inc. The BFTDA is a state-funded network dedicated to fostering technology innovation, strengthening the Commonwealth's economy and creating and retaining high-salary jobs that require high skill levels. The BFTDA provides funding for technology partners and supports four Ben Franklin Technology Partners throughout Pennsylvania that identify the most promising technological ventures and provide them with technical assistance and capital.

Using a seven-module training and certification program, ICDL validates each user's proficiency in the areas of basic computer competency including word processing, file management, Internet and e-mail use, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Courses are available online, on CD-ROM and through classroom instruction. Recognized as the standard in 100 countries, ICDL also certifies that license holders have demonstrated proficiency in basic skills.

For additional information regarding the Project TIME, visit www.projecttime-pa.org .

About ICDL

ICDL is globally recognized certification program that enables the individuals to validate workforce-ready computer skills. The ICDL-US has earned the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Seal of Alignment and is recognized by Comp TIA Career Tech Compass Program as the most complete fundamental computer skills certification program.