The Boston Housing Authority’s Jobs Plus Program known as “CharlestownWorks” recently joined forces with Tech Goes Home, an organization that strives to ensure that people are equipped with the tools, training, and access to support 21st century skills, including a Chromebook for very little cost.  To receive their Chromebooks, students must attend fifteen hours of hands-on training classes.  These classes are designed to familiarize students with computer basics using Google Docs and other utilitarian aspects of the Chromebook, from word processing to creating visual presentations.  

Eleven students completed the first of our CharlestownWorks/Tech Goes Home five-week class and they celebrated their success by presenting slide shows to classmates and class tutors from Boston College, enhancing the celebration with food that represented the many cultures of the students themselves.  These presentations, developed using Google Slides, were the culmination of research based on categories of interest in and around the city of Boston, whether it be where to live, shop, eat, enjoy recreational activities, or to explore issues such as anti-bullying, and enhancing self-confidence. 

A feast for mind, eye, and gastronomic pleasure, the students left the final class, Chromebooks in hand, with the knowledge that what they learned in class will ensure that the Chromebooks will be used at home and not sit untouched because of lack of skill or knowledge.  Removing the fear of technology by minimizing the lack of computer experience, gives the students confidence that can aid in advancing their education, which in turn gives them better opportunities to advance with job placement and reaching career goals.  It all starts with education, and education today requires at least a basic, working knowledge of technology; together, Tech Goes Home and BHA’s CharlestownWorks provide that opportunity.
 
Written by John Shea
Assistant Director and co-teacher for the TGH Program
BHA CharlestownWorks