SER’s CTC (Community Technology Center) is a neighborhood-based center hat offers any community resident with access to computers and high-speed internet, especially to help aid residents in job search activities. SER also employs a bilingual computer instructor who teaches both basic and intermediate level computer classes that include the following:

• Microsoft Excel®, Word®, PowerPoint®, Publisher®
• Keyboarding
• Navigating the Internet
• Online Job Search Skills
• Resume Creation
• Introduction to HTML
• Introduction to E-Mail
• other classes.·

Completion of these courses makes the job sneaker more marketable.

Why is the Community Technology Center Important?

SER’s CTC aims to eliminate the digital divide, which refers to the lack of access to and understanding of technology in lower-income and/or minority households and communities.· Technology has become an increasingly important avenue for connecting to the mainstream economy and world, and a lack of access to and understanding of technology can impair an individual’s ability to thrive in our new economy.

Results: In the 2009 Program Year we successfully trained nearly 200 individuals in Microsoft® programs.

Funders: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

For Our Potential Customers:

Eligibility: ··Any young adult or adult is eligible. Classes are offered in both English and Spanish.

Suitability:··A desire to improve one’s technology skills and a commitment to attending all sessions of a given course.

Orientation Information: Interested candidates do not need to attend an orientation. They may drop in to use the open technology center or attend the first session of a computer course to enroll.· A schedule of classes can be obtained in our lobby or by contacting our Instructor.

For more information about this program, please contact: NCorrea@CentralStatesSER.org