Students receive special computer instruction at the Technology and Learning Center.Technology & Learning Center
In 2001, the VIPS Technology Center opened its doors as a response to the community’s wish for a safe and supportive place for public school students to do their homework. Since then, the Center has grown and evolved. No longer solely a safe homework site, it now offers innovative and hands-on projects and activities, after school and during the summer, and tutoring with trained volunteers. The Center has 25 computers for students to access for homework and project-based learning. Just as VIPS' tutoring services are available to students in all Providence public schools, the Center welcomes students from across the City.
Nearly every weekday during the school year, approximately 30 high school students come to the Center to work with our tutors, do their homework or use the computers for research. During the summer, the Center is just as heavily used, as students participate in one of our engaging programs such as Learn to Earn. Each year, the demand for our Center's computers, programs and tutoring grows. VIPS is unable to serve all the students who want access to the Technology Center's resources, due to limited resources. With more volunteer tutors, more students could access the help they need. If you can help VIPS help a student, please call us at 274-3240.
Workshops
VIPS also sponsors college preparation, technology, and science workshops. These workshops introduce middle and high school students to higher education opportunities and exciting careers. We offer these sessions, which are often created collaboratively with other nonprofits, businesses and universities, in our Technology Center. VIPS has collaborated with, among others, Save the Bay, the University of Rhode Island, the Providence School Department and Providence After School Alliance.