by KYW's Nancy Griffin

A group of information technology managers have just completed a three-week training camp for disadvantaged teens in Philadelphia.

At the graduation on Friday, dozens of teens from the Philadelphia area were congratulated for completing the three-week techonology program held at the social service agency Inspiritec, on 12th Street near Callowhill. President John Connolly (above right):

"This program helps disadvantaged youth by providing them with information and perspective and real-world experience on information technology careers. And that goes hand-in-glove with what Inspiritec does. We're a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enable people with disabilities to achieve careers in information technology."

The Society of Information Management sponsored the program for teens. One graduate was Jasmine Ryder (right and above left) of North Philadelphia:

"My project was about how teens use computers."

And how do teens use computers?

(Laughs) "They mainly use the Internet, but they can use it by downloading stuff. They can play games; use it for projects in school; take pictures; and use it for whatever they need."

(Photos by KYW's Nancy Griffin)