“We’re beginning our 10th year of helping Barrio Station,” advised San Diego Job Corps Computer Technology instructor Peter Schurek.  “During this time hundreds of my students have helped trouble shoot and maintain their computer laboratory.”

Barrio Station, located on Newton Avenue in San Diego, has provided social services to thousands of the area’s Latino residents since it opened in 1970.  The non-profit organization offers a variety of recreational activities, runs a community theater program, and hosts other children’s activities.

Rachael Ortiz, one of Barrio Station’s founding members, and the organization’s Executive Director, praised Job Corps and the Urban League of San Diego for initially setting up the computer lab.  She advised that many of the homes in the neighborhood do not have computers.  Job Corps’ maintainence of the computer lab enables the neighborhood’s young people to access the internet and use the computers for their homework assignments.

“Many of Job Corps’ Career Technical Training classes help the greater San Diego community by contributing thousands of hours of community service each year to organizations like Barrio Station,” Mr. Schurek stated.  “In addition to helping others, community service affords our students an opportunity to apply the skills they’re learning in the classroom. While working at places like Barrio Station they get to know the staff and young people who work and take part in the organization’s activities. I think everyone benefits from the interaction.”