“Intake workers Selma and Delores describe the project to one of our applicants.” Photo from Cambridge Community Television

Yesterday’s orientation at Cambridge Community Television for our [bridging the] digital divide program was a great success. Over 30 applicants came to CCTV to learn more about the program and sign up for basic computer training.

As part of the program, participants will receive a free refurbished computer (either PC or Mac) and a wireless Internet access node. During the training, participants will learn how to connect to the City’s wireless network using their wireless node, or transmitter. Through participants’ involvement in the program they will also be helping to strengthen the wireless network for their neighbors closest to them. To learn more about the City’s wireless network involved in this program, visit Cambridge Public Internet Initiative.

Yesterday’s orientation began with coffee and snacks for intake workers with whom I met to review the following intake process that took place throughout the day:

1. Intake workers reviewed the program with participants.

2. Participants wrote down their goals and what they hoped to achieve during the program.

3. Participants filled out a computer skills assessment in order to be placed in the appropriate computer trainings.

4. Participants signed a contract that explained our commitment and their commitment to the program.

5. Intake workers filled out a training registration form with participants.

The process went very smoothly throughout the day. After participants met with intake workers, Matt Landry (Cambridge Educational Access) and I signed up participants for computer trainings set to begin next weekend. The day was a great opportunity to meet with and welcome participants in the program. It was also a lot of fun.

The participants I met with seemed genuinely excited and appreciative to be involved in the program, which has been over a year in planning with many different parties involved across the City of Cambridge. It’s exciting to see the program finally in action.

To learn more about the program and to follow along with its progress, visit the digital divide group at Cambridge Community Television.

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