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, , 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