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NewsOctober 2008Knowledge Wins Big at Youth Center for Change (YCC) YCC has had 15 residents become certified as Microsoft Office Specialists (MOS) through the Knowledge Network (KNET) Computer Training Center. Earning the MOS certification enables participants to be more competitive in school and in the workplace. Microsoft Office users typically use only 20 percent of its features, MOS certification users' exercise 85 percent or more of its features. The training periods are eight to 10 weeks long and YCC residents have already participated in two separate training groups with eight more residents registered for the next session. In each training group, the student with the highest score receives a personal laptop computer loaded with Microsoft software; YCC residents were the high scorers in each session. Madelyn Smith-Jefferson, substance abuse counselor at YCC says, "Some of the residents struggled with believing in themselves but case managers and other staff members stepped in to help, encouraging them to keep going. We are grateful they have had this opportunity to empower themselves and broaden their horizons." Knowledge Network's Empowerment through Technology includes MOS Training and Certification, Advanced Information Technology (IT) Training, and a College Prep/SAT sub-program. The objective of all of their programs is to empower youth with the skill set, certification, and job experience necessary to compete in today's highly competitive labor market. |