GTECH Corp. launched its After School Advantage Program in Providence at AS220’s Broad Street Studio. GTECH’s nationwide program serves at-risk children in predominantly inner-city communities.

“GTECH’s After School Advantage program is designed to help close the digital divide by offering the latest technology to those who otherwise may not have access to computers,” said Robert Vincent, senior vice president of corporate affairs at GTECH.

Through the After School Advantage program, AS220’s Broad Street Studio received eight Dell computers equipped with Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Video software, state-of-the-art sound editing capacities, a projector and a drum machine for music workshops.

The new computer lab will offer Internet access, word processing, artistic tools and much more to AS220’s youth members, who range in age from 15 to 21 years old. A portion of the $15,000 contribution provided for physical improvements to the studio.

“AS220 is grateful and honored to be selected as one of GTECH’s After School Advantage Computer Centers,” said Umberto Crenca, AS220 founder and artistic director.

Broad Street Studio offers free art instruction and career development at its Empire Street location. •