Literacy Rochester to Put Technology in the Hands of Those in Need
Adult learners to receive laptops, access to internet service, February 4th
Rochester, N.Y., February 2nd, 2021 – Literacy Rochester and its partners are helping to bridge the digital divide. A long time issue the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed. Through the “Getting Technology in the Hands of Those in Need” program, Literacy Rochester will provide laptops and internet service to adult learners in its Digital Literacy programs. At 11a.m. Thursday, five participants will receive a Chromebook to keep, in addition to Wi-Fi hotspots to borrow for six months.
This program is made possible through Literacy Rochester’s partnership with The Office of Adult & Career Education Services (OACES), part of the Rochester City School District and Spectrum Communications. They provided funding for the purchase of the Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots service for adult learners, to take advantage of virtual classes online.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been much uncertainty and wondering what is next for each of us,” said Joshua Stapf, Development Director at Literacy Rochester. “With so many parts of everyday life on hold and in flux, the challenges of literacy did not get put on hold. Our students still needed to work towards achieving their goals. We took our traditional hands-on face-to-face tutoring, classes, and computer help and redesigned it to work in a social-distancing world.”
Who
Five OACES students who are currently enrolled in an OACES program
What
Digital Literacy of Literacy Rochester has partnered with, OACES (The Office of Adult Career & Education Services), and Spectrum to provide computers and hotspots to OACES students who do not have access to these resources at home.
When
Thursday, Feb. 4th,
Why
This project was started to help bridge the gap in the digital divide in Monroe County. As we have seen over the past year many companies and educational institutions are learning much of their processes can be done digitally and remotely. Our goal is to help students learn how to be digital.
About Literacy Rochester
Literacy Volunteers of Rochester, Inc. is a community leader in the cause of literacy. With a small staff and a large pool of trained volunteers, we improve the reading, English language, math, and digital literacy skills of adults in Monroe County, New York. Our services include: one to one tutoring, small group instruction, computer skill-building, Learning Center, conversation groups, and family literacy.