Proposal to the Women's Business Development Association - Opportunity for Disadvantaged Women to Receive Free Computer Skills Training and Career Development Services.
Problem.
Many disadvantaged women do not have access to and/or funds for professional services and computer skills training in their neighborhoods. Typical barriers to empowerment include special needs, childcare needs, and language proficiency.
Recommended Solution .
Create WiredWomen of Fort Lauderdale.
This program will provide support for access to computers, technology, and technology-based educational learning activities for women in low-income communities who otherwise would lack that access to computers and information technology. Individuals under this program will receive career development and job preparation, such as computer skills training (basic and advanced), resume writing workshops, and access to databases of employment opportunities, career information, education/degree opportunities and other online materials. WiredWomen will initially receive referrals from Family Central, a local non-profit organization that services low-income, single-parent families.
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Organization Goals.
A recent GAO report (Telecommunications: Characteristics and Choices of Internet Users, February 2001) and a series of U.S. Department of Commerce studies (Falling Through the Net, 1995, 1999, 2000) on Americans" access and use of technology show that although more Americans now own computers, low-income households are still far less likely to own computers and know how to use advanced technology. The mission of WiredWomen of Fort Lauderdale is to empower disadvantaged women in the field of computer technology.
GOAL 1: INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT - provide career development and job preparation resources in small groups (10-15 women per class).
Objective 1: provide computer skills training classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels (e.
