Le'Azon Technology Institute Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit agency established in 1998 in Clearwater, Florida that offers quality education and employment services utilizing a high-tech approach. Its president, who has direct administration of the institute's programs, has eighteen years of experience and education in the field of technology. A community board of professionals and business people govern LTI. Lead by the President, this group of business colleagues and community leaders came together to create the Institute. They were driven by their concern about the low numbers of minorities and low-income residents who were accessing technology-based employment. They committed themselves to teaching youth about technology, and to use this platform to address the digital divide. Lack of training, employment opportunities, and job advancements were the main focus. While initially concentrating on youth, it soon became evident that the whole family needed assistance. Therefore, the services of the Institute were later expanded to include adults as well as young people. Over its years of existence, LTI has been involved in many economic opportunities and community-based activities.        
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                  These include:                                    
                  * Projects with St. Petersburg Junior College and the African American Youth Leadership Council programs in 1999 and 2000. A career-planning program introduced software development, systems networking, and technology programs to young people.

* LTI received a grant to work with Florida A&M University to conduct surveys and provide technology training to residents of the Jasmine Court Public Housing Development in 2001-2002. Thirty residents participated, received training in conducting surveys and were able to add this On-The-Job Training to their resumes to seek employment at one of the largest survey companies in the area.

* In 2001 LTI administered programs for the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice in cooperation with the YMCA and Starling Daycare School in Pinellas County. This project entailed research, software development, and computer-based programs.

* LTI coordinated with New Growth Community Development Corporation (a faith-based organization ) to train Welfare-to-Work recipients in Pinellas County and provide IT services for their WorkNet program.
* New Growth Community Development Corporation and the Florida Department of Education worked together to provide a GED and English as a Second Language program. LTI provided information technology and data program development services. LTI also created NGCDC Corporate LOGO.

* US Environment Protection Agency funded the LTI Access-to-Information program through an Environmental Justice grant in 2001-2002. The Greenwood Community Health Resource Center, a free health clinic, partnered with LTI to place a computer in the lobby of the center where an average of 300 low-income youth and families visit on a monthly basis to receive free health care. The computer provides easy access to health and environmental information for all clients, patients and visitors of the center.

* In 2002-2003 LTI and Clearwater Community Based Development Corporation provided job training for thirty low-income residents. The City of Clearwater Community Development Block Grant funded the program and again granted funding for 2003-04. Florida A & M University (FAMU) partnered with Le'Azon Technology Institute to provide Entrepreneurial classes. FAMU Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce also operates a micro-lending program that lends small businesses up to $500 for start-up capital. While LTI does not provide direct lending to clients, Florida A & M University provides these services that are available to clients through this collaboration with the university.

* In 2005 LTI established an Economic Development and Community Business Center in Clearwater with the support of the City of Clearwater to bring more economic opportunities and resources to its residents.		      
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
     

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