Computer CORE was incorporated in Alexandria in 1999. Close partnerships with The City of Alexandria and many Alexandria businesses, sponsors, and partners including CORE’s first stand-alone location partner, Fairlington Presbyterian Church, provided CORE the environment to thrive and grow. Over time, CORE has helped over 3,500 adults along the pathway to better wages and careers.
All CORE programming is available free to residents of the City of Alexandria, who make up about 25% of our students.
CORE operates on a lean budget relying on three full-time staff members to coordinate the work of up to 100 dedicated volunteers per year who teach courses, refurbish computers, and provide all kinds of critical support including tech, admin, graphics, web, outreach, and more. Computer equipment and most classroom space is typically donated.
- The City of Alexandria
- ACT for Alexandria’s Alexandria Resilience Fund
- CORE participates each April in Spring2ACTion, an online giving day sponsored by ACT for Alexandria
- Mason Hirst Foundation
- Maple Tree Fund
- Alexandria Rotary Club
- Alexandria Central Rotary Club
Justin Wilson, Mayor, City of Alexandria and Advisory Board member, spoke at Computer CORE’s 20th Anniversary event.
Adult Coding Camp, CORE’s second program with Adult Coding Camp will be especially marketed to City of Alexandria residents.
Alexandria Workforce Development Center (AWDC), a long-time partner since the founding of CORE, recently collaborated in a cooperative relationship to purchase and refurbish 25 laptops for AWDC clients who in turn sends students and interns to CORE.
Alexandria Central Rotary Club funded resources for CORE to provide 15 Chromebooks to 15 students, and an 8 week program in the Spring.
Alexandria Emergency Child Care Coalition (ECCC), CORE adapted existing curriculum to provide a “Tech for Teachers” program which includes Zoom and other virtual computer skills for preschool teachers.
Volunteer Alexandria and Leadership Alexandria are engaged in a special project where six local Alexandria leaders have a capstone project aimed at helping Computer CORE explore and implement large-scale virtual programming, for example using Zoom Webinar, or Twitch TV.
Together We Bake, a job training program for women who learn skills for running small businesses by producing and selling cookies or other food items, has partnered with Computer CORE.
Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA) partners with CORE for online tutors and social justice forum discussions. CCNA’s Executive Director Col. Paige is a member of CORE’s Advisory Board.
Carpenter’s Shelter – in the recent past, we have taught computer classes to their residents struggling with homelessness.
Friends of Guest House – in the recent past, we have taught computer classes to their residents who are women re-entering the community from incarceration.
Computer CORE is a member of a number of Alexandria groups and associations that offer networking, increasing opportunities for outreach, connection within the community, and collaboration.
- Alexandria Coalition for Human Service Organizations (ACHSO)
- WEBA-West End Business Association
- Old Town Business Association
- Alexandria Central Rotary Club
- Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
- Computer CORE attended community meetings at Christ Church, including Lazarus Ministries and other partners
- The Zebra newspaper and online resource
- The City of Alexandria
- Alexandria Workforce Development Center (AWDC)
- Visit Alexandria VA
