Stark Social Worker’s Network Partners with Connect Ohio to Offer Computer Training to Area Adults

Stark Social Worker’s Network Partners with Connect Ohio to Offer Computer Training to Area Adults

For Immediate Release                                                                                                  Contact: Amanda Murphy

October 24, 2012                                                                                    614-214-6755 or amurphy@connectohio.org

The free training is offered to help adults feel comfortable with technology and to advance their education

CANTON – Connect Ohio and Stark Social Worker’s Network have partnered to offer the Every Citizen Online (ECO) free basic computer and Internet training program. Through this collaborative effort, area adults are learning how to connect in ways many of us take for granted. Participants of the program are also eligible to take advantage of discounted Internet service and computer purchases.

"Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life for families, our community, and the world,” said Tracey Phillips, family support programs coordinator for Stark Social Worker’s Network. “These computer training classes are going to aid us in completing that mission. Everyone at our agency, including current constituents, cannot wait for these classes to start."

As an ECO partner organization, the Stark Social Worker’s Network received 5 new laptop computers, which will double the size of their current computer lab. According to Phillips, the new computers will not only be used for ECO training, but also job searching, resume writing, and various other needs for area job seekers.

The computer and Internet basic training is a natural fit for the organization’s services, with coursework that includes 6-hours of training covering computer basics, an introduction to the Internet, and an overview of the many benefits of using the Internet.

Area adults taking advantage of the ECO training are eligible to receive home broadband service specials and discounts toward computer purchases (starting at $119) from partner companies supporting the broadband training initiative.

Fall classes are forming now and take place at Stark Social Worker’s Network, located at 1221 Harrisburg Rd. NE, Canton. To register, call (330) 455-2260.

Any Ohio adult is eligible to complete the free training.

“We are privileged to partner with the Stark Social Worker’s Network and to fulfill the vital need of basic computer training in our technologically driven society,” said Stu Johnson, executive director of Connect Ohio. “Partnering with well-established community organizations like this will extend the training to additional Ohioans who want to improve their computer skills and advance their education and job-readiness.”

More than 27,000 adults have already participated in the Every Citizen Online training since it launched. The training is offered at nearly 300 locations throughout the state. A full list of training locations can be found at http://connectohio.org/training-facilities or by calling 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-4226).

View videos of ECO trainings and interviews with participants

Additional information on Stark Social Worker’s Network

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Connect Ohio, a division of Connected Nation, is a leading technology organization committed to bringing affordable high-speed Internet and broadband-enabled resources to all Ohioans. Connect Ohio effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and works to improve technology access, adoption, and use through its programs. Connect Ohio is a nonprofit, technology-neutral public-private partnership. For more information about what Connect Ohio is doing to accelerate technology in Ohio's communities, visit http://www.connectohio.org. Follow Connect Ohio on Facebook and Twitter.