Press ReleaseGrad Center Seeking Vermont Techcorps WorkerMARLBORO COLLEGE GRADUATE CENTER announces that it is sponsoring a new AmeriCorps Program called Vermont TechCorps in Brattleboro, Vermont. The program, run statewide by Vermont Associates for Training and Development, Inc. of St. Albans, is the first new AmeriCorps grant in eight years for the state of Vermont. The focus of the new program is bridging the digital divide in Vermont. AmeriCorps, created in 1993, is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve through more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. Vermont Associates has built its extensive expertise in serving the diverse needs of Vermonters through operating programs such as the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCS). The mission of SCS is similar in many aspects to AmeriCorps - to support people and organizations in using citizen service as a strategy to meet critical community needs. Both provide opportunities through which individuals develop skills and gain valuable experience critical to their future success. On-going training and support for these individuals is an essential program component. Over the past decade, a gap has developed between those people and communities who can make effective use of information technology and those who cannot. Now more than ever, unequal adoption of technology excludes many from reaping its associated socioeconomic benefits. The term "digital divide" refers to this gap between those who can effectively use new information and communication tools such as the Internet and email, and those who cannot. This gap is even more prevalent for those individuals who are low-income, live in rural areas, have low education levels, or are elderly. This is the population targeted in this statewide program. At the MC Graduate Center, the TechCorps Member will serve as a mentor in computer basics, keyboarding, Windows, word processing basics, Internet basics, and/or email usage to the targeted population who are the clients/patrons of MC Graduate Center. Interested community members in need of computer training may access this service at MC Graduate Center. Based on their needs and interests, they may focus on a specific component of training such as how to access and "surf" the World Wide Web or they may participate in a series of computer classes as may be offered by a particular host organization. AmeriCorps Members receive a living allowance, an education award at the completion of their contract, modest health insurance if full-time, and reimbursement for travel to training meetings. If you are interested in becoming a Vermont TechCorps Member or for general information on the program, contact Kevin Bell, kbell@gradcenter.marlboro.edu |
