In today's fast paced, ever-changing digital world, we take for granted the everyday use of technology and the skills required to efficiently and effectively navigate commonplace, complex systems. Most of us know how to access the internet, send an email, log onto Facebook or download and install a program. These basic computer literacy skills allow us to access the entire world at our fingertips. Having this advantage gives us the chance to engage with our community, find information quickly, and broaden our horizons through a common means for communication-- it benefits us in infinite ways, creating pathways to limitless opportunities! 

We depend on technology to communicate with loved ones, read the news, and apply for jobs. Imagine not having the skills or knowledge to access that content… No computer, no smartphone, no Facebook or Instagram and no connection to the world beyond your immediate sphere of people. To some, that may sound peaceful; others find it terrifying. For many people in the Portland metropolitan area, lack of access and the inability to engage with our broader society is an unfortunate reality. 

As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate, many are left behind the starting line. At least 15% of Portland-area residents do not have internet access at home, and at least 10% do not even have access to a computer.  This population largely consists of vulnerable and at-risk communities: low-income families, youth, seniors, people of color, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, and English language learners.  

Lack of basic computer skills puts these communities at a stark disadvantage. Activities that we take for granted-- like paying bills online, helping children with their homework, practicing a language, and finding resources and opportunities in the larger local area-- get a lot harder without access to online banking, academic portals, job listings, and digital maps.

At Free Geek, we believe in building a community that empowers people to reach their full potential and we refuse to allow digital access and literacy to be a barrier. In 2016, in partnership with a diverse group of community partners, we launched our Welcome to Computers program: a five-week culturally-specific digital literacy curriculum designed to bring these vital skills directly to those who need them most-- but have least access to them.  

How does it work?

We work with community partners to identify and recruit cohorts focused on underserved populations such as immigrants and seniors, who have little to no experience with computers.  We offer as many options as possible to eliminate potential barriers to access and learning: we serve participants in their own neighborhoods, provide free food and childcare when needed, and offer both class instruction and written support materials in multiple languages. Over the course of five classes, participants learn to navigate the web, send their first email, and access ongoing resources like computer classes at the library. At the end of the course,  each student takes home a newly refurbished, quality, Free Geek laptop.

By bringing these skills directly to the communities that need them the most, we are able to make a direct, tangible impact on the lives of families throughout our community and beyond. Every graduate from Welcome to Computers is able to enjoy the freedom and digital access many of us take for granted; they’re able to engage in worldwide community, be fully included in the local culture, and pursue new opportunities formerly closed off to them. 

Here at Free Geek, we’re bridging the digital divide and changing lives, one computer at a time.