Advancing Digital Equity
With the support of Sunrise County Economic Council and the National Digital Equity Center, Mano en Mano is offering Computer Classes at our Milbridge office!
The goal of these classes is to help get community members connected to digital skills and devices in order to participate successfully in online spaces and advance digital equity.
Promoting digital equity refers to creating equal access to information, education, job opportunities, healthcare services, and civic engagement platforms. We understand the skills associated with digital and computer literacy as essential to our communities ability to thrive and achieve the dreams they have for themselves and their loved ones. In a technology-driven society, with so many resources available only online it is important to support community members to gain the skills to navigate the web safely and effectively.
Elaine Abbott, who serves as Sunrise County Economic Councils Regional Broadband Coordinator and chair of the Washington County Digital Equity Coalition shares,
“Sunrise County Economic Council and the Washington County Digital Equity Coalition are proud to be partners with Mano en Mano in bridging the digital divide. Language barriers must be addressed for full inclusion in our ever increasing digital world.”
The classes are completely free of charge and held in Spanish. The first few classes have focused around accessing Broadband, and internet safety. Moving forward, classes will focus on the unique needs and interests of community members.
Director of Access and Advocacy, Laura Thomas says,
“These classes are a step towards bridging the gap in online knowledge. Many folks did not grow up in the digital age or with the same access to internet education. Having the classes available in students' first language is also essential to their success and in creating space for questions, learning, and understanding new skills. These classes help create more access and close the gap in services.”
If you would like more information or would like to sign up for classes, please call the Mano en Mano office (207 546 3006 ) or enroll online at the Digital Equity Center website.
