The immensely popular and nationally-recognized Harris County Precinct Three Senior Education Program was started after Commissioner Steve Radack forecast the need for computer and non-computer educational classes for seniors in the county.
A growing body of medical research indicated that senior health could be improved if seniors were encouraged to stay fit mentally through educational interaction that could help postpone physical and mental deterioration. Commissioner Radack’s study also showed that people over 60 were the least likely to have computer skills and that the senior population would benefit the most from technology training.
Armed with the data, Commissioner Radack formed a unique partnership between county and federal officials and a cadre of trained community volunteers to staff classes. In consultation with educational experts, courses were designed specifically for seniors for subjects like basic computer literacy. Classes were then fashioned to give each student the maximum exposure to hands-on instruction and attention.
The first Senior Learning Center was a 1,400 square foot facility with two classrooms. It was built at Bayland Park in 1999 and opened in January 2000. Precinct Three received a $153,000 grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department to build the training facility and Commissioner Radack provided land, construction personnel and support services.
Because of the overwhelming success of the program, Commissioner Radack later constructed a 10,000 square foot facility with eight classrooms. The Jim & JoAnn Fonteno Senior Education Center, on Bissonnet, opened in 2004. Scores of seniors have received training in computer skills there. Many have also been recruited and trained as instructors. The facility was so successful plans were drawn up for another large senior education center in west Harris County.
The Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center on Pine Forest Lane, which was built with a combination of local and federal dollars, opened in early 2011 and now Commissioner Radack is expanding the courses offered throughout the entire senior program. The new 14,000 square foot center is a “green” energy efficient building with multiple classrooms, an auditorium and an astronomy and science room. Like the Fonteno SEC, it is equipped with “senior friendly” furniture, fixtures and high-tech computers and audio-visual gear.
Locations:
Jim and JoAnn Fonteno Senior Education Center (SEC)
6600 Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77074
Directions
Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center (SEC)
16600 Pine Forest Lane
Houston, Texas 77084
Directions
Thomas A. Glazier Dedication Photos, April 12, 2011
Layout of Thomas A. Glazier SEC and Park
For more information about classes or how to become a volunteer instructor at the Fonteno SEC, call (713) 981-4703 or Email seniorlearning@hctx.net
For more information about classes or how to become a volunteer instructor at the Glazier SEC, call (713) 274-3250 or Email glaziersec@hctx.net
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