Oak Hill Collaborative is proud to announce that through our partnership with Thrive 10:10, nearly $5,000 in technology and services was gifted to 14 graduates June 5.
Our collaboration with Thrive 10:10 in Girard began in May. For five weeks, individuals attended courses learning how to effectively use a computer and become more digitally active.
The five courses we began with encompassed computer basics, Microsoft products such as Excel and Word, and ended with safe search techniques, tricks and tips.
The five weeks of instruction is part of Oak Hill Collaborative’s Hardware for Homes Program, which enables our nonprofit to give back to communities that often are left underserved and left without access to important resources through internet access.
Each graduate was presented with their own laptop, charger, mouse, and mousepad after class concluded, which was then packed up in a box. Graduates were also honored during a short graduation ceremony and presented a certificate congratulating them on their accomplishments.
Patrick Kerrigan, Executive Director of Oak Hill Collaborative, commended the achievements of the partnership and its lasting value.
“Whatever we can do to help bridge the Digital Divide is critically important to residents of the Mahoning Valley. We would like to give a special thanks to the Trumbull County Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce Trumbull Foundation for their financial support of our laptop program,” Kerrigan said. “The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has been supporting our efforts and our centers off-site, and we remain grateful for the opportunities they fund.”
Classes through Thrive 10:10 will continue through June and July and anyone who meets the requirements and attends five weeks of instruction qualifies for a laptop.
Elizabeth Coss, a Digital Navigator for Oak Hill Collaborative, said giving back to the community was what made the day special.
“I’m always happy to come teach in Girard. I love helping people learn new applications, but for me, it means I can come to a community and help inform, educate and empower people through technology safely,” Coss said. “Working with Thrive 10:10 has simply been an honor. The staff there has continued to empower us and our goals as well. It’s simply a wonderful collaborative effort.”
Next week, Oak Hill will teach Navigating Digital News at 3 p.m. inside Girard First United Methodist Church.
