FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 3, 2003

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AWARDS $250,000 TO GENESYS
Funding will allow Houston nonprofit to expand youth job, technology training program

HOUSTON – More Houston teenagers will receive technical training and a head start on a career thanks to a $250,000 government grant recently awarded to Genesys ITS, a local nonprofit that educates and employs underprivileged high school students in information technology services.
The grant will allow Genesys to open a training and work facility that, by the end of 2003, will employ up to 30 high school students to perform technical services such as computer repair and website design.
Genesys’ unique approach involves addressing customer’s real business needs with cost-effective solutions while providing students with their “first big break.” While the students attend high school, Genesys offers them information technology training and employment in the field.
The organization subcontracts information technology jobs from local corporations, thus placing students in “real-world environments.” Students gain exposure not only to technical knowledge but also to mentors and motivators who will encourage them to pursue further education. The new center will allow Genesys to greatly increase its service capabilities and engage into large-scale projects that will allow the training of many more students.
The $250,000 grant comes from federal Wagner Peyser Program Funds, which are awarded at the discretion of Texas Governor Rick Perry.
“This grant is an investment in the future of our students and of Texas as a whole,” said Rafael Alvarez, founder and president of Genesys. “It will allow us to expand our program and create real opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. Our program engages youth into a successful career path early on, a path that they are likely to continue after high school by pursuing careers in technology. I’m honored that Governor Perry has recognized Genesys with this award.”
Genesys will use the funding to establish and run the “Genesys Technology Work Center,” a 14,000 square foot facility at 474 Garden Oaks Blvd., just north of downtown Houston. The center is conveniently located along the same Metro bus line as Reagan High School and will serve students from Reagan, Davis and Southwest high schools.
Genesys began operations in summer 2002 with a $50,000 seed grant from Houston Social
Venture Partners, which allowed Genesys to prove its innovative concept and establish the foundation of a strong program.
“We like the Genesys model because it’s a win-win for everyone: students benefit tremendously through exposure to real-world situations while, at the same time, Genesys addresses real business needs with a cost-effective solution,” said Dan Wampler, director of HP Services.
Reliant Resources, which also has employed Genesys students, has donated 16 computers for use at the Technology Work Center.
“We first engaged Genesys’ students to help out in our IT department as a good thing to do for our community,” said Mark Hendrix, chief information officer for Reliant Resources. “After just a few months we have seen great progress in the self-confidence and technical knowledge of our students, and we see them now as positively contributing to our business.”
Genesys plans to hold an inauguration ceremony at the new Technology Work Center when it opens later in the spring.