The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–McGehee and the UAM Adult Education Center will launch the UAM Digital Literacy Program in January as part of the 3 Southern States Connected Communities Program, a regional initiative aimed at expanding computer access and digital skills training.
The program is part of a broader effort led by Digitunity and AT&T to address technology gaps across communities in Arkansas and neighboring states.
An official launch event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 21 on the UAM-CTM campus. The event is free and open to the public and will include representatives from Digitunity, AT&T and the office of U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, as well as local mayors, chamber of commerce directors and other community leaders.
Through the program, students who complete Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE) I and WAGE II employability courses will receive a refurbished laptop. Students enrolled in UAM-CTM’s Business Office Technology and Health Information Technology programs will be eligible to check out laptops for use during their studies and keep the devices upon graduation.
All participants will also complete a digital literacy workshop covering basic computer skills, online safety and internet use.
The laptops are refurbished and distributed through Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization that provides donated technology to communities in need.
“We are profoundly privileged to advance this transformative initiative to expand technology access across southeast Arkansas,” Steven Jossell, vice chancellor of UAM-CTM, said. “For far too long, communities in our region have confronted persistent technological barriers and limited access to computers and dependable, high-quality internet. Our charge is to dismantle those barriers so we can meaningfully elevate educational attainment and propel long-term economic vitality.”
For more information, contact Jason Henry, director of student services at UAM-CTM, at [email protected] or 870-460-2130.
