Residents of Beaverhead County, located in rural southwest Montana, will gain access to computers at ten public sites through the TIIAP grant. The ten sites will be located in libraries, schools, health clinics, job service offices, and other county offices. Residents will gain access to computers and the Internet as well as obtain training in computer skills. Special attention will be paid to persons over the age of 40 who may need to learn or supplement computer skills in order to secure better-paying jobs. The sites will be staffed by volunteers who will be trained in computer skills.
The goal of this TIIAP access project is to improve employment opportunities and encourage professional development for area residents. The public access sites will serve as learning centers for individuals sharpening or expanding their computer-related skills.
The project is a collaborative effort of several community non-profit organizations and state and local government agencies. Dillon-Net, a nonprofit group offering free computer training, is the lead organization. Additional partners include the Dillon City Library, Mental Health Services Offices, Beaverhead County Health Department, Dillon Job Service, Women's Resource Center, Beaverhead County Welfare Office, Beaverhead County High School, and the Parkview Acres Care & Rehabilitation Center. Each partnering site will have e-mail capability to communicate with one another.
