Computer Skills

WHAT WE DO

The People's Resource Center is a lifeline to people in financial need, as well as a pathway of opportunity for their future. Since 1998, PRC has had a major technological impact on the lives of thousands of low-income DuPage County residents through the PRC Computer Training Program and the PRC Computer Technology Access Program. These two programs provide free computer literacy instruction as well as free reconditioned computers for households.

As our county’s economic base has been transformed by technology, a digital divide has developed presenting educational and employment barriers for increasing numbers of people in our community. All work and educational environments require computer skills, but many people lack basic computer skills, and cannot afford a computer in their home. The PRC’s Computer Technology Programs respond to this community need by teaching computer skills in neighborhood based classes and also providing refurbished computers complete with Microsoft software, for family’s homes.

HOW WE DO IT

Computer training classes are provided in a number of neighborhood learning centers throughout DuPage County. Volunteer computer instructors teach a variety of classes for every skill level. Each class runs for 90 minutes once a week for seven weeks.

•Introduction to Computers
•Windows Fundamentals
•Working On-Line
•MS Word
•Excel 1
•Excel 2
•Power Point 2003

Training Sites
Training sites are located throughout DuPage County. Please see a map of the training sites, which also includes their addresses, and directions. The schedule for each seven-week session is customized to accommodate students’ needs, volunteer instructors’ skills and availability, and holidays. Please see the overall 2013 Training Schedule and the current class session listing the site, day and time, and instructors for each class.

Class Registration
All students must register for each class session by calling the People's Resource Center (PRC) at phone number 630-682-5402; new students must come to the People's Resource Center to register as a client. How to become a PRC Client . Computer Class registration can be accomplished on site after registering with the PRC. Please see and print out computer class registration form for next session .

IMPACT

1,206 unique adults registered for computer classes. 739 families received free refurbished computers for their homes. 843 families received free repairs and maintenance for their home computers. Since the program's inception, more than 8,000 reconditioned computers have been distributed to households through our Community Technology Center in Wheaton.

YOU CAN HELP

Volunteers Needed!

Computer Instructors
This is a wonderful opportunity for those with a good level of computer skills. You will help our clients get better job, help their children in school, or just get more out of life. We especially need bilingual Spanish instructors for our multiple sites. The commitment involves only class time (90 minutes once a week for seven weeks) and some preparation time. The job satisfaction is great!

Computer Service Representatives
You would be helping low-income clients register for free classes and get free computers. The duties are not complicated, and complete training will be provided. A basic knowledge of computers and familiarity with Microsoft Office and Internet are all that is needed. The hours are flexible, only a few hours per shift, and the facilities are excellent. Weekday and Saturday hours are available.

See Job Description. See Instructor Guidelines.

Please read the Volunteer Guidelines. Then, complete the following PRC form and indicate your interest in Computer Literacy on the Volunteer Application Form. After submitting this form, a computer related volunteer preference form will appear on your screen. Please fill it out and submit it.

If for some reason you did not fill out the computer volunteer preference form and it is no longer on your screen, please complete it now by going to Computer Volunteer Preference Form.

To inquire further about volunteering, call Dennis McCann or John Victor at (630) 682-5402 or send a message via Contact Us.

Donate!
For $35.00, you can make it possible for someone to gain computer skills, by supporting them through a 7-week session. Make a Gift Now!

VICTORS OF CIRCUMSTANCE

Leslie, a single mom, began her computer classes at the People’s Resource Center as part of her efforts to provide a better life for herself and her son. She quickly excelled at the "Windows Fundamentals" course and would often take the time to explain new concepts to fellow students. She also received a computer from PRC. Once she was recommended to advance, she signed up for courses on Internet usage, Word, and Excel and her efforts are paying off. She recently had an interview for an office position where she was able to say to the employer she was "relatively confident" about her Excel and Word skills. Leslie had also been working with Job Assistance, and she just had her second interview with the employer.