By Colleen Jenkins

CRYSTAL RIVER - Few things come free anymore. But a local organization is ready to offer Citrus County youth the opportunity to build their own computer and then keep it if they successfully complete a new program.

The program, called TechBridge, is slowly getting established in the One Stop Workforce building at 16 NE Fifth St. in Crystal River. There’s ample work space, an eager instructor and lots of computer parts.   Now, TechBridge just needs willing participants.

Instructor and case manager Rich Snyder promises this isn’t just more schoolwork disguised by a fancy name. Students ages 14 to 21 will be able to work at their own pace to build a computer. Then they will load software and work through a lesson plan to strengthen their math and reading skills and figure out their future career goals.

Snyder also will teach them other employability skills, such as how to dress for a job interview and what to put in a resume and cover letter.

The program is designed to target high school students or those working toward passing the General Educational Development test to earn a high school diploma, he said.

"They’re going to need these skills no matter what they do, whether they go to college, get a job or go into the military," Snyder said.

  The program is funded by CLM Workforce Connection, the work force development board that serves Citrus, Levy and Marion counties and operates numerous One Stop Workforce centers regionally. Henkels & McCoy Inc., an international construction company, won the contract to run the program through its training division.

Snyder came on board in November and hopes to have 20 students by June. TechBridge also has operated in some Pasco County schools for several years, Snyder said.

So far, only a couple of students are enrolled in the Citrus program. Besides being in school, participants also must meet certain eligibility requirements. Snyder said he preferred not to disclose specifics until prospective students complete an application.

Technology skills are not required. Snyder himself just learned to build a computer, he said. Each student will get a thorough instruction manual and a box full of computer parts, and Snyder will help them through.

He envisions students staying in the program three to four months or however long it takes to assemble a computer and then finish the rest of the program goals. Each student will be able to decide how often he or she wants to work on the project.

"If you follow the instructions, it isn’t too bad," he said. "It’s going to take commitment on the student’s part."

If you or someone you know is interested in TechBridge, call 794-0086, ext. 212.