Geeks & Gamers Training Academy

The goal of the Geeks & Gamers Training Academy is to truly develop a free "No child left behind" policy of education. I am developing educational initiatives that combine computer skills, life skills, and social skills, in a way that has never been tried before. My style is innovative and cutting edge. I want to reach ALL children with no limits as to social status, wealth, or current educational level. I want to focus on developing children through the positive christian role models provided by my staff and we will also help children to grow through adult and peer mentoring. I will work with all children including at "risk youth." I want to develop a rapport with places like Adelphoi Village, Auberle, and Pressley Ridge in the Pittsburgh area, and others like this nationwide. These relationships will allow me to tear down the barriers that keep children from receiving training in their personal areas of interest.

My current initiative focuses on children who want to learn more about computers. We are living in "the information age." More information is now available than ever before due to the increased use of computers, networks, and the Internet. I want to teach children how to build computers, install software, build networks, and develop websites. The younger that they start to learn these skills; the better off they will be.

I am currently recruiting children and young adults ages 13-20 for a free computer initiative to teach them to build and repair computers through classroom instruction and hands on skills. Each child/young adult will receive classroom training on the basic components of a computer, how to design these parts to work together in a computer, how to install software, including operating systems and drivers, and how to assemble all these different components to form a working computer. The children and young adults will then have the option to learn how to build a computer network and also to learn to design and develop websites. I really want to focus this education around children who are interested in computers, but don't get out much. It isn't healthy for children to spend all their time in front of a computer or TV. I want to find the children who are computer geeks and gamers and teach them to balance their passion for computers and gaming with healthier social habits by teaching them to mix and mingle with their peers. There won't be any wall flowers in my classroom! Peer mentoring and peer learning will be encouraged

The basic course focuses on the building of a single custom built computer. The students will learn to build and repair this computer through class room instruction and hands on training. I need old computers for the students to tear apart and put back together. Donations of old computers and parts will be greatly appreciated! All students must pass quizzes at the end of each module of instruction. They must pass a midterm with a 70% or better and a final with a 70% or better. When they pass the final; they will receive an invitation to the practical portion of their exam. All students who assemble a computer that powers on and is able to operate gets to take home that computer for free.

Giving away free computers to needy children is a very expensive operation, so I will be trying to appropriate funds from the government, public, and private businesses. I am currently working on a business plan to submit to private corporations like Microsoft to request funding and donations of software and software licenses in the form of operating systems, productivity software, ftp, and gaming software for the children and the class instructors. I also will accept donations from individuals who wish to donate. ALL donations will be rewarded with a banner/link to the donating business/individuals. A page for these banners will be developed as donations are accepted. If you know a child or young adult with interests in computers who would benefit from our program or if you or someone you know would like to provide financial support have them call/text Larry (412)414-4017 or e-mail me Larry@reitzdigitalimaging.com.

This initiative is being started as a model in Pittsburgh, but I want to move it to other cities in the US and eventually worldwide. Your prayers and any support that you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

If you support this initiative and would like to see me get funding for it, send me a letter of support and please include some form of contact information in the letter, so it can be confirmed by Microsoft. The more support that I receive, the more likely I might be to get some funding. I am going to continue to try new ideas, until I can convince someone to fund this initiative. ALL support will be greatly appreciated!

This Website page will remain as part of Reitz Digital Imaging until I get classes started and my students are able to build their own Website.

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