Digital Skills
Hub
Are you looking to enhance your digital skills and gain confidence in using technology? Look no further!
The Digital Skills Hub, offers comprehensive no-cost training classes covering essential computer skills, including Google applications, internet search, cybersecurity, and more.
Join us for 10 hours of engaging classes, where you'll learn practical tools for accessing health, banking, transportation, and get an introduction to social media.
Course registration for this pilot program is available on a first come, first served basis, and restricted to learners who meet participation requirements.
Digital Skills Hub is a pilot program by the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition in Columbus, Ohio. Classes start in October 2023.
Participation Requirements
Courses are open to City of Columbus residents that participate in qualifying programs or are part of the Franklin County Digital Equity Action Agenda’s priority populations. Please note that devices are limited to one per household.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must reside in the City of Columbus AND attest to one of the following parameters:
- Qualification for the Affordable Connectivity Program
- Participation in a qualifying benefit program:
- SNAP food assistance
- Medicaid
- Publicly funded childcare
- Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance
- Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) emergency assistance
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Public Housing Benefits / Section 8 Voucher
- Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
- Identification with one of the populations listed below:
OR
OR
Complete a course & take home a new Chromebook at no cost!
Housing Insecure | Those who are experiencing one of several different dimensions of accommodation problems, including affordability, safety, quality, insecurity, and homelessness. |
Older adults | Individuals who are 65 years of age or older. |
Veterans | Those who served in the active military, naval, or air service. |
Living with a disability | Defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment |
Students | Those engaged in PreK-12, vocational or trade school, and higher education. |
Justice Involved | Those who have had interactions with the criminal justice system as a defendant. |
New Americans, Immigrants or Migrant Families | Immigrants and Migrant Families: Individual(s) in the U.S. who aspire to take the Path to U.S. Citizenship, or who have, in the recent past, become naturalized citizen(s) of the United States of America. |
About Digital Skills Hub
Courses have been designed with a core curriculum developed by the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition and hand in hand with implementation partners: Jewish Family Services, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Goodwill Columbus, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio.
Each course will teach the following core topics:
- Google applications
- Internet search
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- Tools for accessing health, banking, and transportation
- Introduction to social media
GOALS OF THE DIGITAL SKILLS HUB:
Empower Learners:
Our courses are tailored to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today's digital world.
Boost Confidence:
We believe that confidence is key to digital literacy. Our courses aim to boost participants' confidence in using technology effectively.
Foster Independence:
We emphasize self-sufficiency, ensuring that learners can independently navigate the digital landscape, from basic tasks to more advanced skills.
Enhance Opportunities:
By acquiring digital skills, participants open doors to new opportunities, whether it's in education, employment, or personal growth.
Bridge the Digital Divide:
We are committed to closing the digital divide by making digital education accessible to all, regardless of background or experience.
Our Courses
Each Digital Skills course offers the same curriculum and will be taught by instructors at select Goodwill Columbus and Columbus Metropolitan Library locations. Courses will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Placement will be based on the registrant’s preference and availability.
GOODWILL COLUMBUS
jANUARY COHORT
JANUARY 8 - 11, 2024
10.00a - 12.30p
COLUMBUS
METROPOLITAN
LIBRARY
Hilltop Branch: 511 S. Hague Ave,
Columbus OH 43204
Karl Road Branch: 5590 Karl Road,
Columbus OH 43229
Contact information: lifeskills@columbuslibrary.org
HILLTOP LOCATION
EVERY SATURDAY
FROM JAN 20 - FEB 10
9.30a- 12.30p
EVERY SATURDAY
FROM JAN 20 - FEB 10
9.30a- 12.30p
KARL Rd. LOCATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Digital Skills Hub a pilot program?
The digital skills hub is a new project we are trying out. We want to make sure the classes and training work well and are helpful, so we are starting with a smaller group. If everything goes well, we might enroll more people in the future!
Is there a cost to participate in the Digital Skills Hub?
No, the training classes offered by Digital Skills Hub are provided at no cost to participants.
Do I need to complete the training to receive a new device?
Yes! You must complete the training at the organization you select to receive the new device.
Are all the organizations offering the same trainings?
Yes, all the organizations in Digital Skills Hub are offering the same curriculum, however, methods of teachings will vary.
Which organization should I sign up with?
You can self select into any of the organizations except ESC (they are making their own selections). The trainings at Goodwill Columbus and the Library are suitable for the general public. However, the trainings at Jewish Family Services will be suitable for the older adults/seniors.
Am I guaranteed a spot in the training just because I signed up?
Unfortunately not. We will be going through a selection process to ensure residents who participate in this program are based in Columbus and that partner organizations have the capacity as these classes will be limited.
How many devices can a household receive through this program?
Households can only receive one device through this program.
Have a question not answered here? Email info@smartcolumbus.com for more information.
You have a place here
Join us at the Digital Skills Hub, and let's embark on a journey of digital empowerment together! Sign up now to secure your spot and explore the boundless opportunities of the digital world.