Bridging the Digital Divide
Illinois workNet Center Affiliate
Aurora Community Center
501 College Ave.
Aurora, IL 60505
Class Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday--Click on Class Schedule below for days and times.
Call (630) 978-9396 ext. 225 to register for classes.
Free Open Lab: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
While Internet use is growing nationwide, Illinois ranks only 33rd among the 50 states in percentage of households with a computer and 38th in percentage of households with Internet access.
Increasingly, the need for basic computer skills and access to the Internet is imperative to everyone’s success. People are performing more day-to-day functions on the Internet, including research, email, shopping, banking and employment searches. Our citizens with little or no access to technology find themselves at a great disadvantage in functioning in our society.
Computer Access for All
Centrally located near downtown Aurora, the Community Technology Center (CTC) provides free computer classes and open computer lab hours to residents who otherwise would have limited access to technology. Funding for the CTC was secured by Waubonsee Community College, Career Services Center, through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity “Eliminate the Digital Divide” Grant.
Free Computer Classes
Free classes in basic computer skills are taught by a bilingual (Spanish and English) instructor. Topics include computer technology, working with a mouse, exploring the Internet and working with documents. Practice times and exercises are scheduled with the instructor available to help.
Free Internet Access
Community members can improve their skills, practice reading and speaking English or write letters during open computer lab hours.
Internet access is available to send and receive email messages, search for employment and apply on-line. Personal assistance is provided by volunteers in the community, who monitor the center and assist technology instructors.
No reservations are needed to use the computer during open lab hours, but you must be at least 16 years old.
Volunteers Needed
Friendly, helpful people are needed to make this program a success. Flexible hours are available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, call the Career Services Center (630) 466-7900, ext. 2368 or e-mail careerservices@waubonsee.edu.
