Federal Funding is Discontinued for Public Computer Centers in KC
In conversations with employees of Metropolitan Community College (MCC) over the past few months I learned that Federal grants used to build and resource Public Computer Centers in the area will dry up, and no funds to replace the grants have been identified. These centers not only provide a classroom setting for residents to learn computer and job-search skills, but also a mobile training facility for organizations serving people without reliable transportation.
MCC devised a digital literacy series which includes Computer Basics, Internet and E-mail, Computer Security and Privacy, Social Media, Microsoft Office software, Digital Devices and Career Opportunities. The centers also provided technology certification training used by students to boost skills and opportunities for high-demand jobs in information technology.
In three months from January through March 2013 2,723 participants took one of the classes, amounting to over 15,000 classroom hours, though mainly in the certification classes.
The original funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act otherwise known as the Federal stimulus program, which funded the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
These classes and training provide people the knowledge to use the Internet and digital devices -- including cell phones -- more effectively. This knowledge also increases the ability to communicate digitally with family, friends and community members through social networking and basic email, essential skills to help residents become more active in civic organizations and activities.
The question of what happens to employees that work in the Public Computer Centers has not been answered, but there are no more classes scheduled past July of this year.
MCC devised a digital literacy series which includes Computer Basics, Internet and E-mail, Computer Security and Privacy, Social Media, Microsoft Office software, Digital Devices and Career Opportunities. The centers also provided technology certification training used by students to boost skills and opportunities for high-demand jobs in information technology.
In three months from January through March 2013 2,723 participants took one of the classes, amounting to over 15,000 classroom hours, though mainly in the certification classes.
The original funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act otherwise known as the Federal stimulus program, which funded the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
These classes and training provide people the knowledge to use the Internet and digital devices -- including cell phones -- more effectively. This knowledge also increases the ability to communicate digitally with family, friends and community members through social networking and basic email, essential skills to help residents become more active in civic organizations and activities.
The question of what happens to employees that work in the Public Computer Centers has not been answered, but there are no more classes scheduled past July of this year.
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