VTel staff worked with Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC) for three months to promote digital literacy through a service learning program. The initiative builds the capacity of the students to transfer digital skills into their community and is part of VTel’s Community Technology Coaches initiative, where community members can participate in a training to become local technology coaches.

“We were delighted by the opportunity to partner with VTel. The project focuses on the skills that the young women in our program naturally possess and promotes community participation,” said Betty Kinsman, Executive Director of the SAPCC.

The program is part VTel’s statewide outreach that will facilitate thousands of training and forums to improve quality of life through the utilization and optimization of broadband. Tess Gauthier and Dan Lucier of VTel worked with SAPCC leadership to facilitate the community trainings with the students every Friday. Trainings have been open to the public and late December will mark the program’s end. If community members are interested in further sessions they can call Phyllis Hanus at SAPCC at 886-5242 or Tess Gauthier of VTel at 885-7728. 

“We see this as a vital partnership because we are finding a huge demand in the area for digital skills, ranging from basics, to the skills needed to search for jobs, communicate with loved ones, and navigate the Internet with ease. Engaging all sectors of the community in this initiative will create sustainability and equip Springfield residents with the skills needed to thrive in this digital age,” said Tess Gauthier, Community Broadband Director at VTel.

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Christal works with Richard Hendee on the computer, teaching him basic computer skills.