United Way: Digital Literacy program providing essential resources
-
- A student receives instruction during a United Way Digital Literacy class.
-
- A student is recognized at the United Way Digital Literacy graduation ceremony.
-
- Graduates of the United Way Digital Literacy program are shown.
-
- Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County
I recently had the wonderful opportunity of attending a graduation ceremony for United Way’s Digital Literacy program. This amazing volunteer-run program provides training for digital skills along with access to technology and the internet.
The graduation ceremony was more than just a graduation; it was a celebration to honor the incredible progress these community members have made and recognize the amazing growth, connection and power of community that happens when people come together to support each other.
Our community has seen many changes over the past 62 years since United Way of Utah County began operations. But I think one of the most significant changes for all of us has been the rise of the Information Age, where technology has developed 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 more than 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 staying safe from the risks that accompany them.
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. And as we’ve all experienced over the past few years, more and more educational opportunities take place online, whether that’s 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 United Way’s Digital Literacy program are so important. When people have access to training, access to computers, and adequate access to the internet, they can benefit from all of the amazing opportunities available in our digital world.
The Digital Literacy program has been providing support and resources for more than a decade. Thanks to innovative partners and sponsors including Google Fiber, Meta, Comcast, NTEN, Provo City, Elevate Utah, the Spanish Fork Library and the American Fork Senior Center along with dozens of dedicated volunteers, the Digital Literacy program has helped hundreds of community members learn essential digital skills and gain home access to technology.
Resources offered by the Digital Literacy program include free computer classes that provide one-on-one support for patrons looking to learn specific skills and digital literacy classes that provide instruction in baseline computer skills and resume and job interview preparation.
This last semester, the Digital Literacy program hosted seven computer classes in American Fork, Provo and Spanish Fork. The classes were held in English, Spanish and Russian.
The Digital Literacy program also provides a free computer to low-income participants who complete at least 10 hours of digital skills training at one of the computer classes. These computers have been donated by Wasatch Behavioral Health, Duncan Aviation, Nebo School District and other generous donors to help ensure that 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.
One young single mother of three who recently graduated from the program has been accepted to college and is beginning that academic journey. This was made possible thanks to the skills she gained through these computer classes and the computer she received through the program upon completing the course. She said she will be able to use the skills learned and her new computer to go to college and earn a degree to have more opportunities to provide for her children.
“I always looked for better opportunities, whether it was courses or work,” she said. In the Digital Literacy program, “I learned many new things … that I will undoubtedly use in a future job.”
Patrons of these computer classes have learned to use email, create resumes and create budgets in Google Suite as well as how to use social media to connect with loved ones. The classes 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 Literacy 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 Literacy volunteers don’t just help patrons learn to navigate software; they help strengthen their confidence and build community relationships.
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 healthcare and other essential services. I am proud of the work that has been done by the Digital Literacy 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 our Digital Literacy program and how you can get involved, visit unitedwayuc.org.
