The Oakland Park School of Technology was founded on June 9, 1999 by a retired educator by the name of Mrs. Katherine Butler, M.A. The founding purpose of OPST was to offer affordable computer training to members of the surrounding community, and to give members of the community a ray of hope by offering affordable computer courses that will increase their marketability within the workforce. the u
ltimate goal of OPST is to revitalize the entire "minority" community of Columbus and to enrich the lives of its members through education. The courses are structured in such a way that one will be able to learn thoroughly about a computer. Our teachers teach basic computer operation: what is inside a computer, how it works, and how to use it. On a personal level, we educate our students so that they will be able to make well-informed decisions on what to look for and ask about when purchasing a computer. Evangelist Katherine Butler founded the Oakland Park School of Technology on June 9, 1999. She was led by the Lord Jesus Christ to create a place that would bring a wealth of knowledge to the church as well as the community it serves. Two classrooms of the church were set aside for the computer school and its students. Computers were purchased, supplies and materials gathered and God began to bless. The school was dedicated unto the Lord on Sunday, November 29, 1999 and the school was open for its first class December 4, 1999. The first instructor for the Oakland Park School of Technology was Mrs. LaRita Smith who taught MS Works and Windows XP and Typing Pro Part I and II. Ms Diane Wandall joined the Oakland Park School of Technology staff and taught Typing Pro Part II. She later returned back to the Ohio State University to pursue her law degree. LaRita Smith returned to the school to continue teaching Microsoft Office Part 2. James Sayre Jr. joined the staff of OPST and is our current instructor. LaRenzo Butler is the T.A. Sayer. During the course of Computer Science, some students attended special classes that benefited their need in the workforce and for their own personal growth. For those students who completed a total course load of 416 hours, they are receiving their certificate of completion today. The OPST also offers one day seminars through out the year for various subject areas and hopes to expand it’s course offerings in the near future to include English, Math and a GED program. During the summer of 2001, a computer program was held for the students of Mock Road University. There were a total of seven students who took advantage of this great opportunity! A Senior Seminar was added in 2002 to enrich the computer literacy of our seasoned adults. July 2002, the Oakland Park School of Technology received its accreditation from the Workforce Development Program and the school now has access to the CET and the CCVP programs respectively. Also in 2002, the Oakland Park School of Technology has six students from the Youth Department of the First Church of Christ receiving their certificate of completion in MS Works and Windows 98. The Oakland Park School of Technology offers job placements for its students if they are seeking employment after graduation. The Oakland Park School of Technology is a school of grace and integrity. For this school, prayer is essential before each class. The teachers and students always gather and have prayer before the process of learning begins. Here, learning is a priority and every student is special. Donald Bozzo joined us September of 2003,and he taught the Computer Science Class. He designed our Web Site for the school. This Fall he will be teaching the Web Site Design classes on Saturday morning 8:00am.-12:00pm; and our Computer Science Classes on Monday and Thursday 6:00-8:00pm. Our ESL Classes was a success five student received their Certificate Degree. The GED Classes will continue this Fall, and we are growing under the instruction of Mrs. Tina Trippett. Stacy Mundy is our newest staff member joining us this Fall, and she will be teaching the Accounting classes I, II, and III classes. We are excited about this session. Technology is at the forefront of all economic growth, and if a person wants to excel, they must be technology savvy. Greater things are expected from the Oakland Park School of Technology as higher heights and deeper depths are met. October 23, 2008, Oakland Park School of Technology received their 501(3)c status. August 2008 there were eight student received their GED High School Diploma and many of whom marched to receive their Certificate of Degree from Oakland Park School of Technology with honors. December 12, 2009, Mrs. Annie J. Wolmack joined the staff of OPST and wrote the Grant Writing book Syllabus and tough the Winter and Spring courses. There were ten student graduated Spring from the Grant Writing Class She tough the Financial Workshops during the Summer of 2009. This Fall we are beginning out Youth Art Development Certificate Program for the After School students develop their Technology skills and help prepare them for the workforce. They will be studying Accounting, Typing, and Microsoft Office programs, also, there will be Saturday workshops for the student to attend and the students will get acquainted with businesses in the area. The students will write resumes and go for job interviews while attending Oakland Park School of Technology.
1911 Oakland Park Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43224
614-267-7578
