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A community member learns new skills with the help of a volunteer at a United Way Digital Inclusion class.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A student graduate of United Way's Digital Inclusion program.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A Digital Inclusion class participant receives a donated computer after completing the course.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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Our community has seen many changes during the 60 years since United Way of Utah County began operations. However, I think one of the most significant changes for all of us has been the rise of the Information Age, with technology developing more rapidly than ever before.

The growth of the digital world has impacted all aspects of our community in ways that we could not have anticipated 60 years ago. With this rapidly changing world, it is crucial that resources are in place to help all our community members benefit from the opportunities that come from the digital world while also helping them remain safe from the accompanying risks.

As more and more elements of our lives take place online, digital skills have become essential tools to navigating today’s society. Everything from banking to enrolling our kids in school now happens primarily online. According to the National Skills Coalition, in a recent analysis of the U.S. labor market, 92% of jobs now require digital skills.

As we’ve all experienced over the past few years, more and more educational opportunities take place online, whether through remote learning on a snow day or an online college degree program. Without digital skills, it becomes nearly impossible to navigate daily life.

That’s why programs like the United Way’s Digital Inclusion program are so important. This volunteer-run program provides training for digital skills along with access to technology and to the internet. Together, these three elements form the basis of digital inclusion. When people have access to training and computers and adequate access to the internet, they can benefit from all of the amazing opportunities available in our digital world.

The Digital Inclusion program has been providing support and resources for the past decade; it started long before the COVID-19 pandemic reminded all of us how crucial digital access is for our community. While the pandemic proved to be a defining period in all of our lives, the need for digital skill support predated that event and will continue to be an essential resource as technology continues to change.

Thanks to innovative partners and sponsors including Google Fiber, Meta, Comcast, NTEN and Provo City as well as dozens of dedicated volunteers, the Digital Inclusion program has helped hundreds of community members learn essential digital skills and gain home access to technology.

Resources offered by the Digital Inclusion program include free computer help labs that provide one-on-one support for patrons looking to learn specific skills and digital literacy classes that provide instruction in basic computer skills. There are currently three computer help labs: one at the Provo City Library, one at the Springville City Library and one at the South Franklin Community Center (this lab also provides computer help in Spanish).

Patrons of these computer help labs have learned to use email, create resumes in Microsoft Word, create budgets in Microsoft Excel and use social media to connect with loved ones. The labs are staffed by dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to help answer questions and provide support as patrons learn these essential digital skills.

These volunteers are integral to the success of the Digital Inclusion program. They not only allow the program to serve many more people than would otherwise be possible, but they also help patrons feel more comfortable in the digital space. Learning new skills is intimidating, especially when those skills involve technology. Digital Inclusion volunteers don’t just help patrons learn to navigate software; they help strengthen their confidence and build community relationships.

Another service offered by Digital Inclusion is an adopt-a-computer program that provides a free computer to low-income participants who complete at least 10 hours of digital skills training at one of the computer help labs. These computers have been donated by Provo City and other generous donors to help ensure everyone has access to necessary technology at home. All the computers are wiped and cleaned before distribution, and these donations provide crucial device access to folks who otherwise would not be able to benefit from resources that so many of us take for granted each day.

As our world continues to change and as technology continues to expand, access to digital skills and resources will be one of the most crucial elements impacting economic stability, educational achievement and even access to health care and other essential services. I am proud of the work that has been done by the Digital Inclusion program and so grateful for the dedicated volunteers, donors and sponsors who make these services possible.

Together, we can ensure that all members of our community have access to opportunity, now and in the future.

To learn more about Digital Inclusion and how you can get involved, visit unitedwayuc.org.

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