TECH Launch starts September 14!

The fall session of TECH Launch, a certificate program geared toward helping people find focus and develop skills for employment, higher education or entrepreneurship, starts Sept. 14, 2020, at Boundless Connections Technology Center in Olean.

TECH Launch, a collaboration between Boundless Connections and Strength Solutions, certifies participants, ages 17 and over, have basic technology skills including but not limited to the effective use of Microsoft Office programs, email communications, internet searches and online calendars. 

Other skills developed include timeliness, goal setting and tracking and self-assessment.

“We are excited to be starting a new cohort of people in this powerful program,” said Mike Marvin, Strength Solutions executive director.

“We see life-altering changes in our participants. In the beginning we focus on identifying and moving towards their goals. Once that happens, their energy and self-confidence rise and their growth really accelerates,” he said.

In compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, the fall session will host a maximum of 15 participants.

Participants meet 9 a.m. to noon every Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

TECH Launch members set their own three-month goals and meet one-on-one with a mentor weekly to assess their progress.

They also receive leadership development training through an introduction to The Virtues Projectâ„¢, an internationally recognized program focused on recognizing and using character strengths.

Members use Boundless Connections’ TECH Connect Tracking System to log and verify their skills. Participants can also post and send their personal report link to employers along with their résumé.

This initiative is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. Participants with developmental disabilities pay no out of pocket expenses to attend the program.

For more information and to join, visit pilot.boundlessconnections.com/tech-launch, email ryan@boundlessconnections.com or call (716) 379-3347. The program includes membership to the Boundless Connections Technology Center at 160 North Union Street, Olean.