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HP Brazil's breakthrough Digital Garage program was designed to bring
underprivileged youths into the digital economy by combining technology
and music to help them develop creativity, tolerance, work skills and
a sense of responsibility. The project identified a need to translate
these new technology skills into potential career opportunities, as well
as to mentor youth in the basics of self-esteem, networking and job seeking.
More than 90 young people participated in the Digital Garage program
in 2004, and more than 400 since the program was launched.
A follow-up "Social Mentoring" program was developed and launched
in 2004. Twenty youth and 20 HP employees were matched up for the pilot
program. The mentor/youth pairs meet twice a month to set up specific
education and career development plans, with goals and initiatives to
meet their objectives. The program mentors meet monthly to share successes,
and the youths meet every two weeks to share their newfound skills.
One year following into the pilot program, half of the participants have
found employment, and another 40 percent are enrolled in courses to prepare
them for university entrance exams. The remaining participants were accepted
into universities or are taking classes at other local educational institutions.
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