Empowering Communities Through Technology and Digital Literacy Initiatives

Empowering Communities Through Technology and Digital Literacy Initiatives

In 2024, Computer Reach engaged in a grant-funded initiative, thanks to a grant provided by the Department of Labor & Industry. The funding has allowed the organization’s Digital Navigators to offer critical support to the communities they serve. Through this grant, Computer Reach is able to provide digital-literacy testing and devices to community members, enhancing their digital skills and access to technology.

One of the key components of this initiative is the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments, a nationally recognized program developed by the Saint Paul Public Library and the Saint Paul Community Literacy Consortium in Minnesota. The assessments offer community members the opportunity to assess and improve their digital literacy skills through self-guided online modules. These modules allow users to identify their skill levels and provide pathways for improvement. Upon successfully completing the assessments, participants earn a certificate that can be added to their resumes, showcasing their proficiency in various areas of digital literacy.

The assessments cover a wide range of skills, with the most common tests including Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, and Using Email. These three tests are required for the grant to be used and help individuals understand their strengths and identify areas for growth. In addition to these core tests, there are other various areas in which individuals can test their skills, including:

• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• Mac OS
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Docs
• Social Media
• Information Literacy
• Career Search Skills
• Accessing Telehealth Appointments
• Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
• Your Digital Footprint
• Phone Keyboard Basics & Logging In
  

These assessments help individuals become more proficient with the digital tools they encounter every day, making them more competitive in the workforce, better prepared for further education, and more capable of navigating the complexities of modern life.

One of the key successes of this initiative has been the provision of laptops to students at Washington High School in Washington County. Thanks to the L&I grant, Computer Reach’s Digital Navigators worked directly with the school’s faculty to distribute laptops to students who otherwise might not have access to this vital technology.

Mr. Michael Costantino, the computer teacher at Washington High School, expressed his gratitude for this collaboration. He emphasized how the program helped bridge the gap for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom would not have had the resources to acquire a laptop on their own. “Our students were excited to get the laptops and seemed to be very appreciative,” said Costantino. He also highlighted the significance of providing these tools to students, particularly as many of them are preparing for college. “Having a laptop at college is an essential tool,” he remarked, noting that technology has become a fundamental part of higher education.

Costantino also pointed out a growing issue in education: the increasing reliance on Google Chromebooks and smartphones, which, while useful, do not equip students with essential computer skills. “I strongly believe they do not develop many necessary and helpful computer skills such as saving files to a hard drive, copying and pasting files, file management, and working with desktop applications,” he said. By providing laptops, this initiative enables students to gain experience in these critical areas, preparing them for success in college and beyond.

The work being done by Computer Reach, with the support of the Department of Labor & Industry, is making a significant impact on the communities it serves. By offering digital literacy testing and providing devices to students in need, the program is helping to level the playing field, giving individuals the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

As technology continues to evolve, digital literacy becomes increasingly vital for navigating the world. Whether it’s preparing students for higher education, assisting job seekers in gaining valuable skills, or ensuring that individuals have access to essential services like telehealth, these initiatives are creating lasting benefits for individuals in Washington and Greene Counties. The program’s success serves as a reminder of the power of access—both to knowledge and to the technology that supports it—and underscores the importance of equipping all community members with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital age.

The opportunity to provide these laptops and digital skills is not just about bridging the technology gap—it’s about giving students and individuals the ability to access the opportunities they deserve.

In addition to the positive results from the Labor and Industry Grant, Computer Reach has also been advancing its T-Mobile Internet Lending Program. In collaboration with T-Mobile for Government, this initiative offers affordable internet access to community members for a fixed monthly fee of $35. The gateway is available in all the counties served by Computer Reach and has recently seen success among individuals in Greene County. More information regarding the internet program and other Computer Reach projects can be found at www.computerreach.org.

By: Katie Hores