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Dear Digital Inclusion Supporter,
In this month's newsletter, we highlight the unique Independent Skills Program at Street Youth Ministries, which engages homeless and at-risk youth in the Seattle area in a credit-based learning program. As the summer ends and a new school year begins, we know that access to computers and the Internet remains out of reach for many students in Washington state as well as across the country. The Communities Connect Network continues to work with our partners to provide access and digital literacy training for young people, and to spotlight programs such as Comcast's Internet Essentials currently highlighted under Resources in this edition of the e-Newsletter. |
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Spotlight On...
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Street Youth Ministries
Street Youth Ministries (SYM) recently launched the Independent Skills Program (ISP) for homeless and at-risk youth. Brynn Fitzer, Life Skills and Activities Coordinator, designed a credit-based curriculum program requiring participants to complete courses and activities to increase skills in personal care, communications, financial sufficiency, and life skills. When a participant completes the program, they receive a netbook. With funding support from Communities Connect Network Project under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, SYM has purchased 25 netbooks for graduates of the ISP. Brynn anticipates it will take three to six months to complete the ISP, and currently has fifteen youth enrolled in the program.
The success of this program is strengthened by Brynn's individualized approach. She works with each participant to figure out which skills will benefit them the most and then sets goals and make plans together. Brynn researches classes at North Seattle Community College and the Seattle Public Library that will benefit ISP participants and is always seeking new opportunities for the program. For example, one ISP participant already has excellent computer skills and is taking programming courses at North Seattle Community College to meet his program requirements. For a less advanced participant, the Internet or Computer Basics courses at the Seattle Public Library would be more appropriate. The goal is to advance the participants' digital literacy skills from a variety of starting points. Equipped with these new technology skills, participants work with Brynn to create resumes highlighting their achievements.
Leticia, a young woman who was recently accepted into a massage therapy school, has nearly completed all of her requirements for the ISP. Before she started the ISP, she said she lacked motivation and felt depressed. Through the program she has benefitted greatly from setting goals and ambitiously pursuing them. She has taken several classes including typing, cooking, and yoga, and is a few credits shy of earning her netbook. She plans to use the netbook for her coursework, and anticipates using it to stay in touch with family through programs like Skype. She is use to waiting in line for group or public computers, and will be able to accomplish more when she has a netbook of her own. "It will make my life a whole lot easier," she concludes.
Shane, a participant who started the program two months ago, recently came out of a drug rehabilitation program. The ISP is providing him a way to focus on his sobriety by staying busy, and he is meeting new challenges with energy and enthusiasm. Shane has plans to take a writing and Spanish class, and is excited to complete the program and earn his netbook. He notes that the netbook will give him a way to organize his busy schedule, keep track of his finances, and stay in touch with his family who live all over the country. Owning his own netbook will help him feel more like a normal young person and boost his self-esteem because he earned it through the ISP.
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Shane and Leticia are in the process of completing the Independent Skills Program to earn the netbooks pictured here.
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Before final completion of the program, participants are required to meet with their Program Advisor to demonstrate computer knowledge gained through the Seattle Public Library technology classes. The Program Advisor will ensure the participant - and new netbook owner! - has a working understanding of the netbook's functionality.
Street Youth Ministries (SYM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization serving homeless and at-risk youth ages 13-26 in the Seattle area. To find out more about their work with youth, visit: http://www.streetyouthministries.org.
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| What's New in the Communities Connect Network | |
Community Technology Projects Receive $320,000 from City of Seattle
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council announced on July 23, 2012 that 23 community organizations will receive a total of $320,000 in Technology Matching Fund grants. The funds will increase computer and Internet training for our most vulnerable residents as well as provide assistance with basic education, job training, and access to health and other essential services.
These grants are part of Seattle's overall broadband effort to encourage digital inclusion or broadband adoption for all, increase fiber to the home and business, develop a technology-skilled workforce, and foster local applications development. In addition to basic computer and Internet skills, participants will gain skills in using social media, assistive technologies, audio and video production, and digital storytelling. For more information, visit http://seattle.gov/tech/brainstorm.
New Video by Northwest Justice Project
The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) has added a ninth video to its YouTube channel, called "Tenants & Landlords: Rental Housing in Washington: Videos about tenants' rights and obligations in Washington State."
The video explains Washington's new Fair Tenant Screening Act, which requires landlords to give rental applicants important information in writing before conducting a background check. The new law was enacted because many applicants have been prevented from securing stable housing due to outdated or erroneous information found in the screening process. The law also limits the amount and manner in which the landlord can charge rental applicants for the screening process.
The videos are available in English and Spanish by clicking on the links below:
NJP: Washington State's New Fair Tenant Screening Act
http://youtu.be/k8jsxAJ-Wx4
NJP: Nueva Ley del Estado de Washington Para la Evaluación Imparcial de Inquilinos
http://youtu.be/SHkjiHOF9FA
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| Resources | |
Digital Literacy and Non-Profit Technology
Comcast Internet Essentials Learning Center
Tips and lessons for navigating the Internet, as a complement to Comcast Internet Essentials low-cost home Internet services.
Washington Career Bridge
Online tool designed to help job seekers in Washington state find the education and training they need to get the job they want.
Microsoft Grants for Nonprofits
Find discounted licenses and other funding opportunities available for non-profits and NGOs through Microsoft's Corporate Citizenship Program.
Broadband Adoption
Google Fiber Blog
The latest news from the Google Fiber team, currently completing a pilot project in Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO.
Internet Evolution
News, analysis, and opinions from technology thought leaders about the future of the Internet.
High Speed Experts
Helps consumers understand broadband options and make informed decisions.
Pew Internet and American Life
The latest research and statistics, along with well-curated links to articles about Internet adoption in the United States.
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| Capacity Building Opportunities | |
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County Webinars
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle - King County has worked with their partners to create a series of hands-on workshops on three important topics: Financial Fitness, Using the Self-Sufficiency Calculator, and Job Search Skills in the New Economy. For the first time, these workshops will be offered as free webinars and are open to all interested participants.
Using the Self-Sufficiency Calculator for Career and Financial Planning
August 28, 2012
10:00-11:00 AM Pacific
Have you or your customers ever wondered if a specific job or career path will pay enough to cover your expenses? This webinar will introduce the self-sufficiency calculator (SSC), a tool developed to assist job seekers and low-income individuals with career planning and budgeting. The tool calculates expenses in housing, childcare, transportation, health care, and taxes, and provides customized results based on county of residence and family size. Learn how to utilize this tool in real time scenarios and how to test for eligibility for work supports, such as food stamps and subsidized health care. The SSC has been translated into ten different languages and is available publically online. This webinar will be presented by Anna Pavlik, Project Manager at the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County.
Register online for Using the Self-Sufficiency Calculator (SSC) for Career and Financial Planning
Financial Fitness: Financial Tips and Tools for Case Managers
September 10, 2012
10:00-11:00 AM Pacific
This webinar will provide participants with an understanding of key concepts related to financial literacy. Financial literacy has been identified as one of the most crucial skills for clients to gain self-sufficiency and make plans to reach future goals. You will learn how to help clients identify spending leaks, create saving plans, and develop a budget. Resources and tools will be provided that you can use directly with clients. Financial Fitness was originally developed through Port Jobs supported by a pilot project funded by the Paul G Allen Foundation and the National Endowment for Financial Education. This webinar will be presented by Renee Taylor from Pacific Associates.
Register online for Financial Fitness: Financial Tips and Tools for Case Managers
Financial Fitness: Credit Reports and Scores-Your Financial Report Card
September 10, 2012
1:00-2:00 PM Pacific
This webinar will provide participants with an understanding of key concepts related to financial literacy. You will learn the best methods for getting and appropriately using credit, as well as how to evaluate offers of credit. Participants will gain an understanding of the true cost of credit through comparing interest rates on a variety of loan types. Learn how to obtain and assess your credit reports and what factors impact your credit score. Financial Fitness was originally developed by Port Jobs supported by a pilot project funded by the Paul G Allen Foundation and the National Endowment for Financial Education. This webinar will be presented by Becky House from American Financial Solutions.
Register online for Financial Fitness: Credit Reports and Scores-Your Financial Report Card
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About CCN
| Mission: Communities Connect Network (CCN) works to ensure digital inclusion and technology opportunities for all residents of Washington State.
For more information about Communities Connect Network (CCN), please contact Leslie Rae Schmitz, Senior Project Director for Digital Inclusion a t lschmitz@edlabgroup.org or 425.477.4741 x 4778.    |
| About the EdLab Group | 
The EdLab Group is a private, non-profit organization with funding from federal and state governments, private foundations, corporations, and individuals. Our mission is to leverage the power of technology and diversity to transform teaching and learning. We respect your privacy and do not sell, share or allow our list to be viewed by other individuals or companies. For more information about the EdLab Group, visit our website at www.edlabgroup.org. |
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