TWC Prepares to Open 20th Learning Lab in New York City
Next month, Time Warner Cable will open its 20th Learning Lab at the Chinese-American Planning Council in Flushing, Queens. Our Learning Lab initiative provides underserved New York City residents with access to free WiFi and state of the art computers, through partnering with local nonprofits.
To celebrate our upcoming 20th location, we visited two facilities — the YWCA and Easter Seals labs — to see how these sites have benefited local residents. In these locations, TWC’s donation of 50,000 dollars for computer equipment, coupled with its ongoing in-kind donation of TWC Business Class WiFi, has been the catalyst for innovation, career development, and learning, among clients of all ages. Learn more by watching this video.
At the YWCA in midtown Manhattan, the Learning Lab has a Silicon Valley-esque startup vibe. Lemon and lime colored accent walls sparkle in rooms packed with all of the trendy tech bells and whistles. In one room dubbed the “Maker’s Space,” young women in high school have access to a 3D printer, iPads, a sewing machine, and a myriad of science and art materials.
TWC also sponsors “GeekGirls,” the YWCA’s program to inspire young women to have the confidence to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. This year through GeekGirls, the lab offered programs focused on eco-friendly architecture and STEM in the arts. In the past, students at the lab learned to code, and even developed an app to help New Yorkers access detailed information regarding the quality of available affordable housing options in the city.
The Easter Seals Learning Lab is just steps away from the New York Stock Exchange. In the bustling financial heart of the world, the lab offers senior citizens and homeless veterans not only access to computers, but vocational classes, so they can learn word processing, perfect their resumes, and hone their interview skills. The goal is that seniors and vets will use the lab to help get back on their feet, and find steady employment, where they can utilize their new computer knowledge.
