Pride Productions :: History

Pride Productions, Inc (PPI) is a non profit corporation formed in 1994. PPI has been recognized locally and nationally for its innovative programs and collaborations with organizations and educational institutions for the benefit of youth.  

HOW PRIDE HAS GROWN... ...

In 1995, the first of PPI's programs began with Youth Unity, a half-hour cable TV talk show hosted by "The Positive Posse"; local youth ages 12-17, from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills are developed through their active involvement in creating show concepts, writing scripts, interviewing guests, and editing the final program.

In 1999, PPI expanded its commitment to youth by developing a state-of-the-art facility which houses a multi-media technology after school program. Originally implemented with the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, the "Multimedia Clubhouse" (MMC) assists youth in understanding multi-media. The objective of the MMC is to empower young people to read analyze, evaluate, and produce communications in a variety of media formats using Apple computers.

In 2001, PPI expanded the MMC, and introduced the Community Access Technology Center (CATC) at the Worcester Common Outlets. The CATC targets local at-risk youth to create their own programs or complete homework assignments in a safe and comfortable environment, as well as providing them with the technical skills and experience to advance in today's digital economy. Workforce training classes, education workshops, mentorship, peer coaching, and various support services are available to the participants.

The MMC and the CATC has experienced an immediate impact from the collaboration and support of private corporations and youth agencies, i.e., UMass Medical School, Y.W.C.A., Nativity School of Worcester, Curry College, Verizon, Dell Corporation, EMC Corporation, Y.M.C.A., Worcester Public Schools, Coghlin Electric, Grafton Job Corps, and the College of the Holy Cross.

In 2005, we are excited to announce our relocation and expansion to the Denholm Building. One of our new initiatives will be the Internet Cafe of Worcester (ICW), which will become a network hub for the downtown Worcester area The ICW will provide technical and vocational education for the Worcester community in collaboration with Worcester Vocational High School. The ICW will be open daily to the public and serve as a resource for prospective employees who do not have access to technology.