West Philadelphia residents had all their technology needs met in one place on Saturday at the Comcast Cares Day Digital Resource Fair. The tall pillars of balloons welcomed pedestrians into the space on the 3800 block of Lancaster Avenue where they could recycle old electronics, have their computers serviced, participate in a series of 30-minute digital literacy sessions, and visit information tables from organizations that provide tech services. 

Those that participated in the digital literacy sessions learned about topics such as email, preparing a resume, and internet basics. One participant was just walking down Lancaster Avenue when she saw the signs and activity. She registered for one of the digital literacy sessions and found it so helpful she wanted to continue learning. "I was on my way to buy flowers for my yard, but this is so much more important! I'm so glad I stopped by!" she said. With CDIT's free Community Computer Classes starting this week, she and several other of Saturday's participants will begin the 12-week course to keep growing their digital literacy.

Other visitors enjoyed the pop-up lab with tablets available for use at the event. The easy-to-operate, hand-held devices always draw a diverse crowd when CDIT opens up the portable lab--from young children to senior citizens. Visitors were able to experience fun new devices and access all of the resources the Internet has to offer.

Other organizations represented at information tables also connected visitors to further technology opportunities. Nonprofit Technology Resources shared about their thrift shop for low-cost computers and repair services. ITWorks encouraged young adults to apply for its 8-week intensive IT training program. Comcast advertised its low-cost internet option, Internet Essentials. And PEC displayed all of the services and programs it currently offers. 

Comcast hosted Cares Days in cities across the country, giving its employees an opportunity to partner with local non-profits in a day of service. The Philadelphia Cares Day has special significance to Comcast since the cable giant is headquartered here. CDIT was excited to continue to partner with Comcast to serve West Philadelphia and build upon its legacy as an organization committed to increasing digital literacy.

To learn more call 267-777-5860 or email di@pec-cares.org.

Last week seven students graduated from Tech St@rs, our digital literacy program for fifth and sixth graders in West Philadelphia. The twelve-week program helps the students understand the answers to questions like "What is a computer?" and "What is the Internet?", but it also teaches practical skills such as typing, how to navigate a search engine, and how to use word processing and spreadsheet applications. 

Parents and school staff from Martha Washington Elementary School, where most of the students attend, came out to support their students as they received certificates of completion and shared work they had created in the class. Their final project put their word processing skills to work, creating flyers for their imaginary businesses. They displayed nail salons, shoe stores, and t-shirt shops with colorful text and personally-selected logos. 

To encourage further use of their newly-acquired skills, the students were given refurbished desktop computers to keep at home. Parents in attendance received information about low-cost internet options and how to maintain safe access to the World Wide Web with the new equipment in their homes. 

Tech St@rs is offered each semester to up to twelve West Philly students. To learn more or for an application, please email di@pec-cares.org or call 267-777-5860.

We would like to introduce you to Shirley Brendlinger, the lab assistant at PEC's KEYSPOT computer lab. On the four days each week that the lab has Open Access Hours for community use, Shirley is present and ready to answer questions. Although Shirley is new to the KEYSPOT at Families First, she has been working with PEC for four years as a lab assistant and instructor at sites around the city.

Shirley loves to assist community members and thrives on those moments when she sees them realize that the computer is nothing to be afraid of. Students in PEC's Community Computer Class bring their homework each day, and Shirley helps them as they practice skills in creating flyers, resumes, and spreadsheets. Other regular tasks include copying and pasting and creating gmail accounts. Shirley is always ready to answer every question or find the person who can answer the question.

If you would like to take advantage of Shirley's helpful services, visit the KEYSPOT computer lab at Families First at the following times:
Monday: 10AM-3:45PM
Tuesday: 1PM-3:45PM
Wednesday: 1PM-3:45PM
Thursday: 1PM-3:45PM

Families First is located at 3939 Warren Street in West Philadelphia (19104). Shirley looks forward to seeing you soon! For more information, call 267-777-5860.

The Comcast Digital Connectors program is a digital learning program which helps The CDC program helps students to develop technology skills and use them to  empower communities in need.

Students enrolled in the eight month program learn the skills needed to build, repair and troubleshoot computer problems.

The CDC program began in 2009 in Washington D.C. with a group of teenagers who saw the need for greater technology awareness in their neighborhood. To date, program participants have given more than 100,000 hours in service to increase digital access in their surrounding communities.

In fall 2011, the Center for Digital Inclusion and Technology at PEC decided to connect with neighboring high schools to host the CDC program. Overbrook High School was the first school to participate.  Building on their community empowerment training, the spring 2013 group supported the Mill Creek community computer lab.

For more information on the CDC program call 267-777-5860.