RENO - Connect Nevada, in partnership with JOIN, Inc. and the Nevada State Library and Archives (NSLA), announced Wednesday the launch of the Every Community Online (ECO) program. The program offers free computer and Internet training and leaves participants eligible for discounted computers and home broadband services.
"The Every Community Online program focuses on improving broadband access, adoption, and use across the entire state," said Connect Nevada State Program Manager Lindsey Niedzielski. "More than 126,000 Nevada adults (19%) say a lack of digital skills and knowledge of how to use a computer and broadband is the main reason they don't have broadband at home. The ECO program promises to change that by offering Nevadans a free way to learn life-changing digital skills through their local public computer centers and then be rewarded with discounted computers and in some areas, discounted broadband services."
ECO training sessions introduce new users to basic computer functions, how to access the Internet, and how to access and utilize sites and services on the Internet. The goal of this program is to showcase the many educational, healthcare, economic, and communication benefits of broadband use, and to encourage residents, especially in rural communities, to subscribe to and use broadband to improve their quality of life.
"The Nevada State Library and Archives is excited to share ECO with Nevada librarians who are teaching basic computer and Internet skills to their patrons," said Nevada Broadband Task Force Chair and State Librarian Daphne DeLeon. "This is an exciting opportunity for librarians to utilize proven curriculum that is located in one, convenient online location. Also, we believe the ECO incentives such as the discounted computers, will encourage more patrons to sign up for classes and get online."
Participants will be offered a new user starter kit consisting of a basic computer and basic broadband service (where available) packaged at a discount to encourage immediate adoption and long-term broadband subscription.
Current Connect Nevada research shows that computer ownership and Internet adoption rates in Nevada correlate directly with educational levels. The biggest technology adoption gap is among low-income rural Nevadans, as only 41% of low-income rural Nevadans subscribe to broadband.
"JOIN, Inc. recognizes that a strong foundation in computer and Internet skills is necessary for personal and professional success in the twenty-first century," said JOIN, Inc. Executive Director Carolyn Wilson. "That's exactly why JOIN, Inc. is directly involved in education programs - like Every Community Online - that enable the next generation of workers to transition to a new economy."
For more information about the Every Community Online self-paced training program or the expansive work of the Connect Nevada initiative, please contact Connect Nevada at info@connectednv.org or Lindsey Niedzielski at (775) 343-9600.
About Connect Nevada: The Governor's Office and the Nevada Broadband Task Force are leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access, adoption, and use across the state. Connect Nevada is a nonprofit organization that was commissioned by the state to work with all Nevada broadband providers, create detailed maps of current broadband coverage, and coordinate efforts with other Federal grant award recipients in the state. Connect Nevada is now supporting the development of a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband. The goal is to spread high-speed Internet across the state and make sure all Nevada residents have access to its life-changing benefits. For more information visit: www.connectnv.org.
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