PITT'S PENNSYLVANIA SERVICE-LEARNING ALLIANCE TO LAUNCH FAITH TECH CENTER

PITTSBURGH, May 16 -- The University of Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance (PSLA) will launch the first in a network of Faith Tech Centers with an open house on Tuesday, May 29, at 7:45 p.m., at Saint James Episcopal Church, 11524 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills.

The project will establish six Faith Tech Centers in Episcopal Churches in Southwestern Pennsylvania the first year and an additional six the following year. The partnership between the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance and the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh was made possible by a grant from the Vira I. Heinz Endowment.

The program will provide members of the community with technology training and education in an effort to bridge the digital divide. Computers for Education of Ohio will supply computers and printers for all Faith Tech Centers. Pitt's Cynthia Wetmiller, PSLA Western Pa. director, and Audrey Rohrer, PSLA program coordinator, will serve as co-directors of Community Service-Learning for the Faith Tech Network, and Cathy Connor Weiss, PSLA program manager, will be the Faith Tech program manager. Terrence Milani, director of Pitt's Student Volunteer Outreach, will oversee the initiative by providing organization development and planning.

The Saint James site will serve as the Faith Tech Model and Training Center. Free computer classes are scheduled to begin at Saint James in June. For more information, visit the web site: www.faithtechcenter.com or call

412 648-1440.

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