Overview
Taking advantage of Villa Victoria residents’ unprecedented access to technology, IBA has partnered with Bunker Hill Community College to initiate a technology-infused college campus directly in the heart of Villa Victoria. Villa Victoria is unique in its access to high-speed internet service to all housing units. Our innovative project provides a nationally replicable model of a community-based organization working hand-in-hand with a local community college to create a college campus directly in an affordable housing community that is “wired” for success.

Funded by a three year $550,000 grant from the United States Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education, this technology-infused satellite campus provides residents with the opportunity to take college-level classes while offering (both onsite and online) the academic support services, case management, and advising needed to thrive.

Pathway Technology Campus in Action
IBA and Bunker Hill’s nationally replicable partnership has successfully enrolled nearly 130 students. Courses have been offered since October 2004. Courses that include English as a Second Language, Fundamentals of Math and Algebra, GED Readiness program, computer/technology essentials, and a new ESL Certified Nurse Aide (CNA program. We are also enrolling students into Bunker Hill classes at their main campus, many of our students take distance learning courses. We support their needs with computer and video conference equipment in our campus. Villa Victoria’s advanced technology infrastructure provides multiple opportunities for distance and technology-mediated learning. Residents who need to juggle jobs and family responsibilities are now able to take courses and receive support services on-line according to their own schedules, learning anytime and anywhere.

Future Directions
Our ultimate goals, however, are greater. We will establish clear career pathways by moving students from developmental education to college classes and finally to certificates and associates degrees in fields, like health care, early child development, business and technology. By offering education that prepares students with the skills and credentials that employers demand, our residents will begin to get better jobs that pay family sustaining wages and offer hope for a better future.

What Students are Saying
Brenda, 35, Villa Victoria Resident
"I wanted to thank you (Elizabeth) for helping me. This program is what I needed to help me get into a Medical Coding degree program. Taking the Math course right in the neighborhood has made it much easier for me to be able to go to class right after work and then walk home. Also you helping me with the admissions process into Bunker Hill Community College is greatly appreciated. It makes the transition to the college much less scary. I am confident I will do well, thanks to you and this program."

Tara, 31, Villa Victoria Resident
"Through this campus, my computer skills have improved because it has increased my awareness and knowdlege of computer technology in an academic format. It has helped me to move toward earning a college degree. Because of this campus I have been using computers more on my own time and feel more comfortable. The staff has been helpful to me to register for and paticipate in classes and this campus has helped me make connections to other students, and to reach my goals. I am happy to have come in contact with the Pathway Technology Campus"