Networking Our Neighborhoods:Literacy Efforts in Public Housing

Communities

Jenny Fertig

Extension Specialist

Community and Economic Development

West Virginia State University

Program Background

Partnership with Local Public Housing Authority

Funding Received from HUD Only Housing Authorities Eligible for

Funding Application Subcontracted Work to WVSU One Full-Time Agent Position, 3 Part-Time

Lab Assistants Some Classes Delivered by Program

Partners

Program Goals:

To Create “Open Access” Technology-Based Programs for youth, Adults, and Seniors in Charleston Housing Authority Communities

To Provide Adult Literacy, GED Classes, Career Skills Training and Other Related Programs

To Expand the Curriculum in WVSU’s After-School Program to include technology education and homework assistance

Goals Continued

To Creatively Combine Education & Technology

To Become an Active Member in all 10 Charleston Housing Authority Communities

To Provide Open Lab Hours in Which Residents May Pursue Their Own Interests or Receive One-on-One Assistance.

Program Activities

Family Storyteller Literacy Program

Holistic Family Program

Parents are Taught Interactive Reading Techniques

Parents Then Utilize Techniques with Their Children

Family Keeps the Books

Basket Weaving and Technology

Targeted to Seniors Non-Traditional

Approach to Technology Education

Basket Weaving Course Offered as Interest Getter

Included Internet, Email, and Photo Scanning

Technology and Kids Program

Targeted to Youth Too many kids

getting only basic computer skills.

Advanced programming options.

Partnership with WVUES.

Computer Basics

Targeted to Seniors Included Basics of

Microsoft Word, Keyboarding, Printing, and Internet Surfing.

Partnership with West Virginia State Community & Technical College

Next Level Classes Scheduled for 2004.

Greeting Card Design

Targeted to Adults and Seniors.

Taught by Staff Members.

One of Most Popular Classes.

Easy Introduction to Keyboarding and Graphics.

Life Skills Management

Targeted to Adults Basic Workforce

Education Partnership with

Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action, a local faith-based non-profit organization.

Internet Investigations

Targeted to Youth, Adults and Seniors

Teach Proper Utilization of the Internet

Includes Internet Safety Component

Puzzles, Games, and More . . . . . . .

Introductory Class. Participants Can

Create Custom Puzzles and Play Games

Increases Keyboarding Skills and Comfort with the Computer.

Site Seers Club Targeted to Youth

and Adults Internet-based

Activities That Allow Participants to Travel to 30 Various States and Countries

Participants Learn, Geography, Culture, Food, Landmarks and More.

Expanding Opportunities

New and Expanded Computer Labs

Technology Updates Creating a PR Piece for

Community Updates Neighborhood

Networks Website Development

Utilizing Residents that Receive Public Assistance and Need Community Service Hours

Other Program Partners:

The Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action

TLTEK Computer Service Company

West Virginia State Community and Technical College

West Virginia University Extension Services

Conclusion Questions