Sponsors

WORC Financial Education Program for asset building development and financial literacy is sponsored by a combination of local, state and federal programs with the goal of helping low income individuals become financially self-sufficient. The WORC online financial education program has a history of proven success in the Philadelphia area.

• US Dept of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/
  
  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is the President's principal adviser on telecommunications and information policy issues, and in this role frequently works with other Executive Branch agencies to develop and present the Administration's position on these issues.
  
  Since its creation in 1978, NTIA has been at the cutting edge of critical issues.
  
  In addition to representing the Executive Branch in both domestic and international telecommunications and information policy activities, NTIA also manages the Federal use of spectrum; performs cutting-edge telecommunications research and engineering, including resolving technical telecommunications issues for the Federal government and private sector; and administers infrastructure and public telecommunications facilities grants.
  
  The telecommunications and information revolution is bringing dramatic growth and change to the nation's economic, social, and political life. As a result, our fundamental mission is to promote market-based policies which lower prices to consumers and encourage innovation, while harnessing the resources of the Federal government to support spectrum-based technologies which enhance efficiency and productivity.


• PA Dept of Community and Economic Development - http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=223
  
  The goal of the Department of Community and Economic Development is to foster opportunities for businesses and communities to succeed and thrive in a global economy, thereby enabling Pennsylvanians to achieve a superior quality of life. Led by Secretary Dennis Yablonsky, the Department ensures growth and development in our businesses and communities across Pennsylvania.


• Partners for Distance Learning - http://www.partnersdl.org/
  
  The Partners in Distance Learning (PDL) is a consortium of educational and affiliated agencies committed to using videoconferencing and Internet video streaming technology to link members together in a mutual resource sharing cooperative. ISDN services are the primary telecommunication channel employed to create fully interactive connectivity over a videoconferencing network. The majority of PDL members use 128 Kb/s, although many of our schools are able to operate at 384 Kb/s. The PDL provides "bridging" services to support multi-point programming opportunities. The typical high school distance learning room would contain a videoconferencing group system, three monitors, document camera, computer, phone, fax, and VCR. Elementary distance learning classrooms likely would have a more simple room design (small group type system). To access PDL-TV Internet video streaming programs and services, the only technical requirement is that a school or home computer be connected to the Internet. For a school or agency to place programs and services on PDL-TV, all that is required is a high-speed Internet connection (such as an ISDN connection).


• Women's Opportunities Resource Center - http://www.worc-pa.org
  
  The mission of the WORC is to promote social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantaged women and their families. WORC provides training, individual business assistance, job placement, and access to business and financial resources. WORC empowers its constituents through various self-help strategies including savings mobilization, a self-employment network, and access to its local, national and international affiliations. Additionally, WORC encourages community awareness and responsiveness concerning issues impacting economic equity and independence.
  
  WORC Values and Philosophy
  
  
  • Help low income individuals break out of cycles of dependency
  • Be a catalyst for positive, lasting changes in people's lives
  • Empower people with basic life skills
  • Build personal capacity
  • Involve participants in self-assessment and goal-setting
  • Encourage peer support
  • Build on experience and success
  • Encourage personal asset accumulation
  • Focus on economic development strategies
  • Emphasize the importance of personal financial management
  • Maintain a leadership role on a national and regional level