Our first cohorts share the impact of learning new skills
Digital literacy continues to be a vital skill so that one can operate a business, start and/or continue job training and education, and more, but it is too often overlooked as something that most people have access to. That simply isn’t true, especially for many immigrant communities. That’s why we started our digital literacy program to empower the community.
Our goal of this program is that our cohort builds confidence and skills to reach their professional and academic goals, and support their children’s education.
In September 2023, we launched our first cohort of our level 1 Digital Literacy program. Since then, we have enrolled nearly 100 participants in five cohorts of level 1 and one new cohort of level 2.
Thus, the digital skills that are taught are essential for participants to take next steps in their careers and their personal lives. Without digital skills, adults may fall behind or miss out on career opportunities and much more. Participants have been learning how to create Microsoft Word and Google Doc documents, creating a powerpoint presentation, basics of computer literacy, web safety, and more! Participants also work on projects with their classmates. They also present to the class as a group and individually on what they have learned.
Hear from our students!
Recently we have conducted interviews with students to hear more from their own words on their experiences in our Digital Literacy program. Student quotes have been translated to English.
Mirna is an immigrant from El Salvador. Before the program, she did not know how to use a computer.
In her own words,
“From the very first time I came to the level 1 class, I didn’t know anything about computers. I only knew, for example, the button where you turn the computer on and off, but sometimes I would get it right and other times I wouldn’t…”
But, after taking our level 1 digital literacy program, Mirna has learned a lot of skills that she can utilize in her daily life:
“I can say that I have made a lot of progress because now I can access everything related to PowerPoint.”
Mirna then participated in our level 2 course, which we launched in response to community requests to continue the program. We asked Mirna how her digital skills improved since she began the program:
“Well, in the first level, they taught us what Zoom is, and also a bit about slides and everything. So, in the second level, it was like a “refresh,” and I retained a little more than I did in the first class, but I can say that when I’m on the computer, I feel like a winner. [...]In the second level, I would say I retained more of what they taught me in the first level. For example, today, I know what software is, I know what a browser is. Right now, I feel like I’ve learned a bit more.”
We are proud that the program has helped Mirna work towards new goals in her business.
“I am a baker. Before, I didn’t know how to save a recipe or anything like that. But now, I do. I even know how to use a spreadsheet to calculate my expenses and figure out how much I need to invest to make my cakes. So now, I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and I’m really happy with everything I’ve learned.[...] I feel that what I’ve learned will help a lot with my business. Because I’m dreaming of opening a business.”
With our digital literacy program, Mirna was able to learn how to use a computer. Furthermore, not only can she do the basics, but she can also perform several advanced activities on the computer.
Jose is an immigrant from El Salvador. Before the program, he didn’t know the basics of using a computer.
We asked Jose how the digital literacy program helped him:
“Well, in fact, it’s helped me a lot because I’ve learned how to use a computer. I’ve learned a lot, and I feel that it can help me in the future to work in a company and be able to use those types of programs.”
He further states,
“[In level 1, I started from zero, but] now I am more comfortable using programs. [...] I can manage emails, send images, and create templates. I’ve used them in class, and sometimes I practice at home.”
We asked Jose what he liked about the program.
“I liked the entire program. It’s an experience I’d never had before, but now I understand it better, and I liked it.”
Julia is an immigrant from Peru. Before this program, she had never used a computer.
In her own words:
“I’ve seen computers, and sometimes I liked to write and keep writing. First, I practiced typing, then I liked it, and I started to get curious, but I thought I might break the computer. I saw a list of things I could learn. And, well, I’ve felt like I could learn more.”
We asked Julia how she has improved since the first digital literacy class.
"Well, in my life, I use my phone. I go on Google, look up the dictionary when I don’t understand a word. I use my phone to help me more than anything.”
We followed up and asked if she would like to extend the level 2 class in some way.
“Of course, I would like more advanced classes for people like us, mothers with limited time. The process is a bit slower for us because we have many responsibilities, but we want to learn. The progress is coming along more quickly now, but yes, we can’t keep up with technology. If you could add more levels or more time in the future, that would be fantastic.”
For the final question, we asked Julia what she liked about the program.
“The ease of being able to talk to the teachers, the fact that they try to help us. That really helps the students and the teachers.”
The future of our program
Our participant stories highlight the challenges and triumphs many face when first learning digital skills, especially when balancing the responsibilities of family life. While our students are still in the process of mastering all the tools, their enthusiasm for learning and their gratitude for the support they have received from the program are clear. Digital literacy not only opens new doors in the workplace but also empowers individuals to navigate the increasingly digital world with confidence.
We hope to expand our digital literacy program to continue responding to community interest. As we mentioned before, we have enrolled nearly 100 students. We hope to have more level 2 cohorts in the future and potentially add further levels if possible. We are here to help our immigrant community with resources and skills to be successful in their personal and professional lives.