Computer Resource Centers
Programs

Computer Resource Centers (CRCs) bridge the digital divide by empowering New Yorkers of all ages with low-cost computer access and education.

Located in Parks Recreation Centers throughout NYC, many in historically underserved communities, CRCs offer:

Classes for all ages and abilities
High-speed Internet access
Professional and educational software and training
Open drop-in time

Adults & Seniors

CRCs offer over 200 classes per week for adults and seniors, whether experienced or first-time computer users.

Digital Literacy courses teach introductory skills such as using the internet, email, and typing.
Workforce Development classes teach professional tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Workforce Development classes also teach skills such as resume writing, career planning, and online job research.
Multimedia classes explore digital design for web, print, film, photography, and audio production. At many CRC sites, students can utilize brand new, widescreen Macintosh computers equipped with creative software including Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, Final Cut, and Logic.
Information Technology courses provide in-depth instruction on computer and software mechanics.
Special Topics sessions include topics such as Blogging or Track Your Fitness Online. CRC instructors encourage students to request Special Topics sessions for future instruction.

Classes just for seniors are available at some sites. Please refer to the CRC Locations page for more information.

Teens

Teen classes teach valuable academic and life skills such as financial management and college prep. See the course catalog and contact your Recreation Center Teen Coordinator for details.

RECYouth

RECYouth is a multimedia program that engages teens in video, audio, and graphic design projects. Teens focus on issues that are important to them, their peers and their communities. Participants learn valuable multimedia skills that support their future academic and career success and provide a creative outlet.

RECYouth sessions run on a fall and spring semester-long schedule, as well as during the summer in RECYouth Summer Institute. Visit the RECYouth page for more information and to request an application.

City Parks Productions offers additional multimedia instruction for teens in CRCs. Please visit their website or contact Jaime Zelaya of City Parks Foundation at Jaime.Zelaya@parks.nyc.gov for more information.

Green Teens

CRCs also provide technical instruction and support for Green Teens, a Parks program in which teens engage in environmental projects to better their local parks and communities. Contact greenteens@parks.nyc.gov if you would like to become a Green Teen!

Youth

CRC youth programs are offered to kids enrolled in the Afterschool Program and from the local community. Youth activities in the CRC include homework help, media literacy projects, and creating newsletters about health, fitness, and the environment. CRC youth activities are supported by a robust technology curriculum that teaches computer skills while engaging kids in a fun and enriching afterschool environment.

Special programs offer more intensive digital learning for motivated youth. Global Partners Jr. is a school-year long program that connects kids to their peers around the world through online communication and projects addressing a common global theme such as Sustainability or the World Marketplace. On holidays when Recreation Centers are open, youth can visit the center for fun exploratory programs about civic holiday subjects such as Martin Luther King Jr. or United States Presidents.

For more information about the Parks Afterschool Program, call (212) 360-3309 or visit the Parks Afterschool page. For information about special youth programs or group workshops at Computer Resource Centers, call (212) 255-3066 or email crc@parks.nyc.gov.

Disability Access

Please visit the recreation center page to find out which centers are handicap accessible.

Tools such as text enlargers and audio text readers are available in many staffed CRCs for visually-impaired computer users. Contact your CRC Coordinator for more information about accessing these tools.

Computer Resource Centers Programs