GETA Lab Programs

The GETA Lab is a wonderful asset to the Guadalupe community. In its short existence, and with the participation of community groups and organizations, the lab has made significant contributions to improve the life and livelihood of the people of Guadalupe. More programs and classes are under development. Since the lab has been open, a number of residents have gained the experience, motivation, and courage to purchase their own computers. The lab gives them the confidence to further explore the possibilities of computers and also provides them with technical support and training.

Mary Buren Elementary School

The Mary Buren Elementary School brings students to the lab to research information over the internet. After school, children and teens use the computer lab for doing research and homework. The lab also provides an important alternative activity and gathering place in an area where activities and places for kids and teens are scarce. A number of community groups and small business people use the computer lab to prepare documents, access information, and get training. Job seekers are able to prepare resumes with the assistance of resume-writing software, research careers and companies, and access the wealth of job opportunities listed on web sites.

Santa Maria Foursquare Church Jobs Program

The Santa Maria Foursquare Church works with the probation department in a Jobs Program which meets on Mondays from 3:00pm to 4:30pm and teaches teens ages 14 to 18 how to write a resume, how to interview, and how to find and keep a good job. The program has been highly successful in the last year, placing 10 teens in local jobs and programs, and though the program was once limited only to teens assigned from the probation department, it is now open to any interested teens.

Allan Hancock College Free Non-Credit Computer Classes

The existence of the computer lab provides the capability for Allan Hancock College to conduct computer classes in Guadalupe. Many of the residents do not have their own transportation or do not have the time or means to travel out of town to attend classes, and the availability of classes in their area enables more people to attend. There are currently four introductory computer classes, and three have bilingual instructors and are free non-credit evening courses. Over 200 residents have attended classes and received training from the GETA Lab, and about 40 students are currently enrolled in classes. These classes have provided people with skills to bring to the work force and given them the confidence to purchase their own computers and increase their knowledge base and productivity.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Many of the citizens of Guadalupe speak little or no English. With the use of the computer lab, they are able to get training from Spanish-speaking instructors, access Spanish web sites, use software to improve their English, and chat with friends, relatives, and other Spanish speakers around the world. The GETA Lab has multimedia software, English Language Learning Environments (ELLE) available for both English and Spanish speakers.

GETA has made measurable accomplishments, but the struggle for a better-educated and higher-skilled community is a constant, ongoing effort. With better education and higher skills, come higher education and better jobs and income. Statistics show that a college education is worth about one million dollars more in earnings in a career over those with just a high school diploma. From an economic development standpoint, a better-trained and available workforce is an attraction to companies looking for a place to begin or expand their business. The GETA Lab is an excellent tool in providing this better-educated and higher-skilled workforce.