To address the technology and computer training needs of local nonprofits, the Cornell-Ithaca Partnership (C-IP) has partnered with United Way of Tompkins County and its 40 member organizations to form Computer Aid

"Bringing Cornell resources to assist the Ithaca community is a core part of our mission," says Patricia Pollak, associate professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell and the director of C-IP. "Computer Aid is a great example of bringing university resources to address a real community need."

The Cornell-Ithaca Partnership, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- and Cornell University-funded Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC), is funding a part-time Cornell student to assist Ithaca nonprofits with their computer needs and technology challenges. Cornell student Benedict Heinz, a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences majoring in communications, is the first student to work on the project. Using his communication technology background, Heinz will conduct computer diagnostics and training, install local area networks and troubleshoot computers and related technologies at local nonprofits. In addition, he will assist Ithaca area nonprofits with web-page design, assessing basic system needs and ways to maximize the capabilities of networking among local United Way agencies.

"This is a wonderful program for our member organizations. It will help build the capacity of nonprofits and be a huge cost savings for agencies that work on a tight budget," said James A. Brown, executive director of United Way of Tompkins County.

Computer Aid began working with Ithaca nonprofits in September. For more information, please contact the C-IP at (607) 216-0510 or e-mail COPC@cornell.edu .