Bridging the Divide: Helping Immigrants Fully Engage in their Communities Through Technology
Since 1897, Neighborhood House has been serving people from all over the world who have relocated to Minnesota to build a better life for themselves and their families. Neighborhood House, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, provides the tools needed to not only survive, but to thrive in their new environment and break the cycle of poverty.
One of the goals of Neighborhood House is to help immigrants and refugees bridge the digital divide. Many participants have never used a computer and are uncomfortable around technology. Daily living – things like looking up the bus schedule, applying for jobs, paying bills and keeping in touch with family – is more difficult without access to a computer and the skills necessary to use it effectively.
To help Neighborhood House participants succeed in the increasingly technical world they live in, the organization works hard to integrate technology into their programming and teach digital literacy skills. However, due to economic barriers, participants weren’t able to put their new skills to use because they didn’t have access to a computer at home.
Kara Schommer, director of programs at Neighborhood House, reached out to Minnesota Computers for Schools (MCFS) to put together a program that would give participants an opportunity to earn their own laptop. The program is open to participants who don’t have a computer at home, complete at least four hours of volunteer work in the community and are enrolled in one of Neighborhood House’s adult education training programs.
The most important requirement is that participants attend at least two training classes held at Neighborhood House where they are taught basic computer skills, how to take care of a computer and how to use the Internet. Participants are also taught how to use the software bundle that is placed on all MCFS computers, which includes a financial management program, word processing, typing skills and more.
“Partnering with Neighborhood House has been very rewarding as it aligns with our mission to provide technology access for lifelong learning,” said Tamara Gillard, Executive Director of MCFS. “Program participants receive the necessary training to ensure the laptops are used correctly and by the time they complete the program, they are rewarded with a laptop to bring home. Many times this is the first computer they have owned.”
Since 2012, MCFS has provided Neighborhood House with 44 computers to give to eligible participants.
“The impact of having a computer that they’re trained to use is huge as it changes our participants lives by allowing them to be fully engaged in their communities,” said Schommer. “Having the access and skills to use a computer allows participants to apply for jobs, communicate with family, get information about their countries and communities and get into their children’s school portals. It helps them be more engaged in their civic role.”
Having access to a computer and the learning the skills to use it are a necessity in today’s world. Through this program, Neighborhood House and MCFS are teaching participants not only how to use a computer, but how to problem solve, communicate and think critically, in turn empowering them to build the lives they’ve always dreamed of for their families.