Ventura County’s Computer Basics Program Empowers Hundreds of Novice Learners; Free Replication Toolkit Now Available

VENTURA COUNTY’S COMPUTER BASICS PROGRAM EMPOWERS HUNDREDS OF NOVICE LEARNERS; FREE REPLICATION TOOLKIT NOW AVAILABLE

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – The Ventura County Computer Basics program has been transforming lives by providing essential digital skills to over 450 participants to date. The program was launched by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to train and empower individuals underserved by current upskilling opportunities and who have little to no experience with computers, enabling them to confidently navigate the digital world, improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential. Now, EDC has created a Computer Basics Course Replication Toolkit that can be used by anyone to expand the impact of the course and get the critical curriculum to more people across the state.

The Computer Basics program is part of a four-year Ventura County Digital Upskilling Initiative created by funding secured by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. The initiative started in June of 2022 and will run through December 2025.

Need for the Course

The COVID-19 pandemic widened the digital divide across the United States as jobs transitioned to remote work, and employers shifted many processes online, including interviews, onboarding, and accessing benefits. Evidence shows digital skills deficiencies disproportionately impact women, people of color and non-English speakers. In 2019, 12.9% of all Ventura County residents did not have access to a computer or an Internet connection.* In addition, there are deep inequities by neighborhood, with several zip codes reporting that over 20% do not have access to a computer or Internet connection. The disparities are even greater among specific groups, with Latinos, who make up 44% of the population, having much lower rates of digital literacy and connectivity than white residents.** Further, 19% of Spanish-speaking Latinos in Ventura County do not have access to a computer at home. Also, as technology changes, current workers need more advanced digital skills and training to stay employed and advance in their careers. Assemblymember Irwin explained this by stating, “In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to use technology effectively is critical in nearly all aspects of our lives. Our success as a region depends on lifting up all workers, including those who are already in the workforce, so they can secure good-paying, high-quality jobs that lead to long-lasting careers.”

Filling Critical Gaps in Digital Literacy

The Computer Basics Program was created to meet the need for a free, short-term computer basics training program that is accessible to communities. This program, offered in both English and Spanish, teaches participants how to operate a computer, use email, conduct internet searches, participate in video calls, apply for jobs online and use the internet safely. The curriculum is designed for short, six- to eight-week courses that can be taught in classroom settings or at community locations, such as libraries and housing facilities to increase access to the opportunity. In Ventura County, EDC partnered with the Adult Schools who came together to co-create the curriculum and provide the course across each institution. Chromebooks are provided to all students and every graduate gets to keep the devices to continue their learning and digital use. Computer basics classes now open for registration can be seen at the EDC’s website here.

Impact and Success Stories

The Computer Basics program has been a resounding success, with 29 classes already completed across Ventura County and over 450 graduates and Chromebooks distributed. By partnering with the Adult Schools across the region, EDC was able to easily exceed the original goal to serve 200 students and has built a replicable upskilling program that will last in Ventura County through the adult schools. The program’s impact is most visible among its participants, who represent those typically underserved by upskilling opportunities. 70% of participants to date are female, 75% are people of color, 65% of are English Language Learners or speak Spanish as their first language, and the average age of students is 50.

West Ed evaluated the program and found that the course led to significant learning gains, with participants reporting an increase in their ability to use digital tools and secure better jobs. In follow-up calls with participants six months after the course, graduates reported that they are using the Chromebooks in their daily lives and have the confidence to try new things using technology such as: paying bills; applying for jobs online; scheduling doctor’s appointments; helping their children with their homework; and accessing additional training opportunities. Several program participants also reported securing jobs that they previously felt unqualified for, thanks to their newly acquired digital skills.

One student explained the profound impact the course is having by saying, “Before the course, I looked for someone to help me complete computer tasks at work, and now I can do them on my own. Looking towards the future, I recommend this class because it will help you to get a better job and to climb and not stay where you are.” – Maria R.

Another student shared, “For me, this class has been a miracle. An absolute miracle. […] I’m going to use the skills that I’ve learned in this class, and I’m also going to enter into interviews with a lot more positivity about what I can bring to a job. So, it’s reaching far beyond just the technical skills. It’s very much opening doors to my future that I wouldn’t otherwise have.” – Elizabeth, Computer Basics Class Graduate

Introducing the Free Computer Basics Curriculum & Program Replication Toolkit

To expand the reach and impact of the program, EDC is proud to announce the release of the Free Computer Basics Replication Toolkit. The comprehensive toolkit is designed for ease of use and is available to any organization, school or community group that wants to teach essential computer skills to others. By expanding the reach of the Computer Basics program, EDC aims to create lasting economic opportunities for individuals who have historically been left behind by the rapid digitalization of the workplace. To date, the curriculum is already being used by several partners in Santa Barbara County.

Jaime Fall, Workforce and Economic Strategies Director at EDC shared, “We’ve had a significant, meaningful impact with this curriculum in Ventura County, and now our goal is to see it be used across the state and beyond. With this toolkit, any community can help bridge the digital divide and empower its residents to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

The comprehensive toolkit includes:

• Bilingual Digital Upskilling Curriculum that includes a ready-to-use curriculum with Google Slides presentations and notes for each of the 8 units. Slides are available in English and Spanish;
• Student Activities and Worksheets;
• An Instructor Guide with detailed instructions, lesson plans and best practices for teaching novices;
• Program-Evaluation Tools to help organizations measure the impact of their courses; and
• Program-Administration Tools and Tips to help organizations implement and scale the program.

How to Access the Toolkit

All materials are available to download or copy in a Google folder that includes the curriculum and the Computer Basics Curriculum & Program Replication Toolkit.

EDC is calling on community organizations, schools, libraries, nonprofits, workforce development boards and others across the state and beyond to utilize the free replication toolkit and join the movement to close the digital skills gap.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact the EDC’s Communications & Marketing Manager, Tracie Schneider, at tracie@edcollaborative.com. A potential list of interviewees is included below along with a google folder of pictures you can access here.

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About Economic Development Collaborative

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in 1996 to foster business growth, economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all. Today, EDC is a regional asset for economic vitality across the greater Ventura and Santa Barbara county region, giving businesses, community partners and civic leaders the resources they need to succeed. By leveraging public and private funds, the EDC has become a key player in delivering business consulting, funding and strategic initiatives that support the regional economy.

Potential Interviewees:

Computer basics classes that are currently running and could be sites for interviews or B-roll can be seen on the EDC’s website here.