 
How can
rural women learn about computers?
Did you know that,
despite our “high tech” age, there are still thousands of women
across the country that have never turned on a computer? Many of these women
are older women, and many live in rural areas where they don’t have access
to computer training.
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Story Continued
The Women's Bureau is working with the Everywoman’s Opportunity
Center in Western New York to provide 125 underserved women a “hands
on” experience operating a computer. The training takes place in the
Center’s new Computer Lab. So far this year, thirty-two women in three
different counties have completed between 25 and 50 hours of training.
"I found the computer class to open
my eyes to the world of technology and bring me up to speed in the competitive
workplace."
As Myrna Young, EOC’s Executive Director, reports:
“This training makes such a huge difference in women’s lives. One of
our trainees, who was separated from her husband, whose only income was minimal
child support, and who had only a work history of intermittent low-wage jobs,
took ‘Introduction to Computers’ with us. She is now working full
time and making $9.50 an hour and is receiving full benefits! She’s on her
way to self-sufficiency."
Other Comments from Participants:
Introduced to computers for the first time, Bette discovered a
new world and new opportunities - "You gave me the tools to unbury myself.There
is another world beyond what I knew.I like it.I don’t like to leave work
and can’t wait to go back to the office.”
Patty states, “I’m using daily the computer skills I
learned through Everywoman.I wouldn’t have gotten through the front door
without them.In fact, based on those skills, I am teaching myself
Quicken.”
Cynthia remarks about one of her classes at the Center -
“Ifound the computer class to open my eyes to the world of technology and
bring me up to speed in the competitive workplace. I found the teacher to be
easy to follow...I am now employed as an administrative assistant. I use the
computer skills I learned in the class and have expanded my knowledge to
include other areas of computer technology. Because I was unable to return to
my former [place of] employment, [I was able] to find related employment
[which] started me back on the road to financial recovery. Thank you!”
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For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S.
Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room
S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202)
693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725
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