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Goodwill Narrows the Digital Divide for Low-Income, Hispanic Families

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey Receives 2008 Technology Connections Award

June 30, 2008

Rockville, MD – A comprehensive, family-oriented computer literacy program for low-income, Hispanic families with limited English skills has earned Goodwill Industries® of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (Astoria) the 2008 Technology Connections Award from Goodwill Industries International^®.

During the 2006-2007 school year, the Goodwill® Family Technological Literacy Program at Beacon 149 introduced 20 low-income families to a full spectrum of computer-based technologies that can improve children’s performance in school and parents’ success in the workplace. Most parents had limited English skills and no previous access to computers.

Communication between parents and children also showed improvement as they worked together on projects, such as making their own community newspaper, searching for jobs and preparing a presentation for the entire class. In addition to basic computer skills, families learn about and experiment with technologies, such as cell phones, Blackberries, Bluetooth, digital cameras,
faxes and scanners.

“The digital divide can be even more difficult to bridge for those who speak little English,” says Karen Means, senior vice president at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey. “Taking a whole-family approach unites parents and children as they explore how technology can benefit them in their daily lives.”

The project is currently funded by a grant from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and will continue to serve approximately 20 families annually. Participating families continue to have access to the Goodwill’s computers long after they graduate from the program.

“Innovative programs like the Family Technological Literacy Program at Beacon 149 illustrate how technology can create opportunities where very few existed before,” says Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “These families’ lives are enriched and their chances at success vastly improved as they learn how to make computers work for them.”

The purpose of the Technology Connections Award is to recognize, reward and share best practices for carrying out the fourth strategy of the Goodwill Industries 21st Century Initiative: Focus on technology training and resources as a means of workplace success.

For free broadcast-quality video, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill .