Pace Computer Learning Center

In spite of the sluggish economy, the Computer Learning Center increased revenues more than 20 percent in the 2010 fiscal year.

This spike in enrollments was due to stimulus-related Federal job training funds, distributed through Workforce offices (part of the WIA system) in New York City, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and other counties. These funding streams enabled qualified participants to participate in PCLC programs in Web design, business analysis, project management, solar panel design and installation, and more. The increase in revenue did not reflect a rise in corporate revenue, which has not recovered from budget cuts following the 2008 economic collapse, and is still low.

Revenue from Federal funding was maximized during the period from July, 2009 to April, 2010. At that point most of the Workforce offices ran out of funds, and Congress declined to invest further in these programs. Only a few PCLC students are still being funded through Workforce vouchers.

PCLC programs that were approved for Federal funding include:

  • MS Office Essentials
  • QuickBooks Essentials
  • Certificate in Adobe Web Design
  • Certificate in Hands-on Project Management
  • Master's Certificate in Business Analysis
  • PMP Express: Preparation for the PMP Exam
  • Red Hat Certified Technician
  • Red Hat Certified Engineer
  • iPhone Application Development
  • Solar PV Design & Installation Basics

New Programs

The following new programs were offered during the 2010 fiscal year:

  • Solar PV Design & Installation Basics - This class is PCLC's first Green offering. It is a 40-hour course, and has attracted architects, contractors, electricians, homeowners and others. The course covers site evaluation, and the basics of designing and installing both a grid-tied system and an off-grid system with battery backup. The course includes lectures, videos and two hands-on installations by all participants.
  • iPhone Application Development - Apple's iPhone continues to impact mobile Internet computing, mobile software and online media. This class helps students develop technology skills enabling them to plan, design and build iPhone applications and upload them to Apple's App Store.
  • Master's Certificate in Business Analysis - PCLC now offers a 98 hour certificate program, based on the curriculum developed by the International Institute of Business Analysis. The seven modules that make up this program may be taken separately or as a unit.
  • QuickBooks Essentials - QuickBooks accounting software is used by small businesses around the world. PCLC now offers an 18-hour program in QuickBooks fundamentals.