Free Computer Classes Announced For West Haven Residents At ‘The Hub’

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From City of West Haven): Three new computer classes are coming to city residents later this fall, with no cost to participate, Mayor Dorinda Borer and state Sen. James Maroney announced at a news conference at the West Haven Community Center on Tuesday.

The program is made possible through a partnership with the Community Center, CfAL for Digital Inclusion, Charter Oak State College and Comcast, as well as funding from the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

“We are thrilled to partner with CfAL for Digital Inclusion, Charter Oak State College and Senator Maroney to bring these courses that will assist in bridging the digital divide,” said Borer, speaking to reporters in the conference hall of the new center, nicknamed “the Hub.” “From our adult residents learning about Google to our youth assistance with college essays to the classes that teach the basics of AI, we have it all.”

Maroney, D-Milford, said: “This Hub is the center of this community. We’re not just connecting people to each other; we’re connecting people to resources.

“Too often in past technical revolutions, we’ve left populations behind. That’s why I’m very honored to work with CfAL, Charter Oak, Mayor Borer, Representative Heffernan and Comcast … to make sure that everyone in Connecticut has the opportunity to succeed.”

Maroney, a co-chair of the General Assembly’s Artificial Intelligence Caucus, was joined by fellow caucus member Rep. Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, who also spoke.

The partnership will launch with an AI Essentials certification program, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16-19, followed by an Introduction to Computer Literacy course and a College Essay and Application workshop, which run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 3 and from 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8, respectively.

The free classes are held at the West Haven Community Center, 255 Meloy Road.

City residents can register at no cost on CfAL’s website here, or they can call 475-285-6500 for more information.

“AI skills are becoming essential across the workforce, and we want Connecticut residents to have access to training that helps them succeed,” Charter Oak Provost Dr. Dave Ferreira said. “These free, hands-on classes will help West Haven residents use AI to solve workplace problems, improve productivity and support career growth. Our goal is to help participants combine these tools with the judgment, communication and responsible decision-making that employers need.”

Tesha Tramontano-Kelly, the executive director of CfAL, a local nonprofit organization, said: “Expanding to bring our digital inclusion programs to West Haven is an exciting opportunity. This partnership provides important digital skills training to the West Haven community across all ages and all stages of workforce development.”

Part of the program is an expansion of the Connecticut AI Academy through Charter Oak, where students earn an industry-recognized credential in AI Essentials from Google.

Previously offered exclusively online, the program expanded to include in-person instruction after two successful pilot programs at the Swift Factory in Hartford and Veterans Rally Point in Norwich.

Now, West Haven residents can register for in-person instruction and hands-on learning provided by CfAL at the Hub.

While the course focuses on AI literacy, residents can also register for a more basic course, Introduction to Computer Literacy, to learn computer skills or brush up on skills.

“Intro to Computer Literacy is our most in-demand course,” said Richard Hull, the lead curriculum and instruction specialist at CfAL. “It covers basic computer use, including navigating an operating system, using office and productivity software, and job searching with resume creation.

“We want to make sure we’re meeting people where they are in terms of technical skills, whether that’s exploring baseline computer skills, looking for ways to increase productivity or using AI responsibly.”

For teens and young adults in West Haven, the College Essay and Application workshop will help them navigate financial aid and online college applications and write college essays. The course is conducted in two parts and taught by a certified high school English teacher.

“I think I have a better chance of being accepted to college because I now know more of how they operate,” said Joel C., a high school student who recently completed the workshop. “Before receiving the free Chromebook, my sister and I had to share a computer, but now we will both have a device to work on.”

Upon completing one of the courses, participants who do not have a computer at home will receive a refurbished computer sponsored by Comcast to help them continue learning and building digital skills beyond the classroom.

“Comcast is proud to support organizations like CfAL for Digital Inclusion that is helping Connecticut residents build the digital skills needed to succeed in today’s economy,” said Rob Earley, the vice president of government and community affairs for Comcast in Connecticut. “As technology continues to evolve, understanding tools like artificial intelligence will be increasingly important in the workplace. Through partnerships like this one, we’re helping create opportunities for residents to gain new skills, earn valuable credentials and prepare for future success.”

Tramontano-Kelly said that building on the program’s success and with DECD funding, CfAL is offering additional computer classes at the Hub as well as in New Haven, Meriden, Middletown, Hartford and Norwich.

Prospective participants can register for free on CfAL’s website here, or they can call 475-285-6500 for more information.

(Pictured): West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer speaks at a news conference announcing three new computer classes for city residents, with no cost to participate, at the West Haven Community Center on Tuesday. With Borer are, from left, Connecticut Rep. Bill Heffernan, Comcast Vice President of Government and Community Affairs Rob Earley, state Sen. James Maroney, West Haven Youth and Family Services coordinator Coraly Colon and Director Diane Dietman, city Elderly Services Director Alyssa Maddern, and Charter Oak State College Provost Dr. Dave Ferreira. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)