[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 54 (Tuesday, May 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E764-E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE CAMPUS OF LEARNERS: BRINGING EDUCATION AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY TO 
                       PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 5, 1998

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring your attention to a 
revolutionary Department of Housing and Urban Development program--the 
Campus of Learners Initiative, which is now being implemented in Union 
City, New Jersey. The mission of the Campus of Learners is to heighten 
the role of local Public Housing Authorities as a catalyst for 
residents to become self-sufficient. The initiative is designed so that 
local housing authorities have the resources to develop their own 
creative strategic plans to provide for education, job training, and 
employment opportunities through computer and telecommunications 
technology in campus setting.
  I am proud to announce that the Housing Authority of Union City, New 
Jersey has responded to HUD's initiative by opening the

[[Page E765]]

Hillside Pavilion Campus of Learners Center today, a three-level state-
of-the-art building. Union City was one of only 25 PHA's in the United 
States chosen by HUD to launch the program.
  This newly-formed community will serve as an example for other 
housing authorities wishing to provide high-tech training for their 
residents. On the campus, residents will learn computer skills to allow 
them to enter the local job market. This, of course, will greatly 
benefit local business owners who are in need of skilled employees. The 
Pavilion will also be a community center where residents can share in 
recreational and cultural activities.
  My colleagues, I urge you to promote the Campus of Learners Program 
and use Union City as a model in your own communities. This program 
will transform public housing into a place of opportunity.

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