WOLDE's New Computer Center
09/18/07
Since it’s inception in 2004, Women's Opportunity
Link has had “computer center” on a wish list and
this month that wish finally came true.
“This is a huge milestone for WOLDE and it certainly takes us to the next level with regard to the scope of services we’re able to extend to our clients, our outreach efforts, and even funding procurement opportunities. We have been hoping to bring this to fruition for a while now knowing the direct impact it will have on our clients, the community and the organization.” states Jennifer Rehm-Clark, Founder and Executive Director.
“This is a huge milestone for WOLDE and it certainly takes us to the next level with regard to the scope of services we’re able to extend to our clients, our outreach efforts, and even funding procurement opportunities. We have been hoping to bring this to fruition for a while now knowing the direct impact it will have on our clients, the community and the organization.” states Jennifer Rehm-Clark, Founder and Executive Director.
The HP computers are fully loaded with Windows XP
Professional Series software, complete with Microsoft
Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Publisher –
programs that are at the core of WOLDE’s formal
Project Access! Online Learning
Program. This program brings free
e-learning skills training opportunities to motivated
clients wanting to increase their skill set and
become proficient in various applications.
The new computer center will also make it possible to introduce basic computer literacy training to those not quite ready for the formal e-learning opportunity, as well as offer additional benefits such as online job search, resume posting and other career exploration activities. Rehm-Clark explains, “This computer center is far more than just 10 complete computer stations. I think that most of us understand the critical need for computer skills, and recognize that those who go without them in this day and age are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to employment options and earnings potential. But what most don’t understand is the hard truth - if you are a low-income adult earner in the twenty-first century without computer skills, you can expect to live in poverty."
Today there are very few industries where computers aren’t a factor. Specifically, some industries that do not require computer proficiency include retail, food service, cleaning, and hospitality businesses to name a few. Unfortunately, these industries offer mostly dead-end entry-level positions that pay what Rehm-Clark calls "poverty wages". “Those are the jobs that you definitely don’t want if you have real bills to pay", she explains. "If you’re a teenager working for gas or spending money, those jobs could meet your needs. But if you are an adult facing standard expenses such as rent or a mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurance, childcare and basic necessities, those are the jobs you can’t afford to take – literally. They simply don't pay enough to make ends meet, nor do they offer any opportunities to advance and increase earnings."
For Rehm-Clark, the number of low-wage workers without basic computer skills is too high. “As a society we understand what it means to be illiterate and as a result have government funds in place to support literacy programs. For those who can't read resources exist at little or no cost to the individual. We believe the same approach needs to be applied to adult low-wage workers who lack computer skills. In our country we need to exhibit the same fervor towards computer illiteracy as we show towards basic illiteracy. It is just as significant a barrier when it comes to employment and self-sufficiency.”
Interestingly, for Rehm-Clark the issue of computer skills isn’t just about attempting to increase the earnings potential of her clients, but is instead part of a much bigger picture. “This is a workforce issue and a community development issue. The overall health of our society is directly related to the human capital and level of skills members of those communities possess. In order for our economy to thrive, we must be able to compete in a global marketplace by having the most skilled and educated workforce possible. If we are serious about strengthening our economy, state economic development offices, labor departments and Workforce Investment Boards should invest in those members of the workforce that lack computer skills because it is these skills that are essential and critical for successful and long-lasting economic growth.”
The new computer center will also make it possible to introduce basic computer literacy training to those not quite ready for the formal e-learning opportunity, as well as offer additional benefits such as online job search, resume posting and other career exploration activities. Rehm-Clark explains, “This computer center is far more than just 10 complete computer stations. I think that most of us understand the critical need for computer skills, and recognize that those who go without them in this day and age are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to employment options and earnings potential. But what most don’t understand is the hard truth - if you are a low-income adult earner in the twenty-first century without computer skills, you can expect to live in poverty."
Today there are very few industries where computers aren’t a factor. Specifically, some industries that do not require computer proficiency include retail, food service, cleaning, and hospitality businesses to name a few. Unfortunately, these industries offer mostly dead-end entry-level positions that pay what Rehm-Clark calls "poverty wages". “Those are the jobs that you definitely don’t want if you have real bills to pay", she explains. "If you’re a teenager working for gas or spending money, those jobs could meet your needs. But if you are an adult facing standard expenses such as rent or a mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurance, childcare and basic necessities, those are the jobs you can’t afford to take – literally. They simply don't pay enough to make ends meet, nor do they offer any opportunities to advance and increase earnings."
For Rehm-Clark, the number of low-wage workers without basic computer skills is too high. “As a society we understand what it means to be illiterate and as a result have government funds in place to support literacy programs. For those who can't read resources exist at little or no cost to the individual. We believe the same approach needs to be applied to adult low-wage workers who lack computer skills. In our country we need to exhibit the same fervor towards computer illiteracy as we show towards basic illiteracy. It is just as significant a barrier when it comes to employment and self-sufficiency.”
Interestingly, for Rehm-Clark the issue of computer skills isn’t just about attempting to increase the earnings potential of her clients, but is instead part of a much bigger picture. “This is a workforce issue and a community development issue. The overall health of our society is directly related to the human capital and level of skills members of those communities possess. In order for our economy to thrive, we must be able to compete in a global marketplace by having the most skilled and educated workforce possible. If we are serious about strengthening our economy, state economic development offices, labor departments and Workforce Investment Boards should invest in those members of the workforce that lack computer skills because it is these skills that are essential and critical for successful and long-lasting economic growth.”