About the Lab
The Vera Court Neighborhood Center’s 20-station computer lab is made possible through a national partnership with Power UP and a local partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison. Our high speed Internet access is a generous gift from Charter Communications.

Public Access Open Computer Lab
Every weekday the computer lab is open and free for all neighborhood residents and computer program participants to use. During this time people have access to the educational software, a laser and color printer, a digital camera, scanner, an Intel microscope. Internet access is also available.

Computer Warriors
Computer Warriors is offered four times per year; twice for 2nd and 3rd graders and twice for 4th and 5th graders. Students must register for the club. During each session, students work to master different software packages. The class uses inquiry and project-based techniques to teach students computer skills.

Senior Computer Classes
Beginner / Intermediate
Eight week sessions are offered four times throughout the year. The class meets Tuesday mornings from 10:30 AM—noon. The beginner class is designed for first time users. It focuses on basic computer vocabulary and concepts. The intermediate class is for older adults with some computer experience. It focuses on learning a variety of software packages and learning to navigate the Internet.

Adult Computer Classes
Beginner / Intermediate
The adult beginner computer class provides a basic overview of computers, the Internet and an introduction to a number of popular software packages. The intermediate class is designed for people who are interested in upgrading their employability skills and it focuses on spreadsheet design and database management. The beginner class is available in both English and Spanish. The intermediate class is available in English. In partnership with Kennedy Heights Community Center we offer the class one time per year in Hmong. The class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00—8:00 and the class in Spanish meets on Fridays from 6—8.

Clay Animation
Clay animation is an annual project for middle school students. They spend eight weeks writing skits, sculpting clay, and using digital photography to create clay animation scenes.

Take Back the Mouse
Girls Computer Club
This club meets once a year for eight weeks. In partnership with the Girl Neighborhood Power program, the club meets weekly and completes project such as designing t-shirts, creating web sites, and creating personal business cards.

Lab of the Month
In November 2001 the Vera Court Neighborhood Center was awarded the national “Lab of the Month” award. The lab was honored because of its comprehensive services and partnerships.