Community Computer Lab: Coming Soon to Downtown Brunswick
After several months of planning, New Hope Community Partnership, Inc. is pleased to announce that we have partnered with the First Baptist Church of Brunswick and New Hope United Methodist Church to open a community computer lab in the spring of 2017.
The lab will be open at various days and times to serve individual needs. Individuals can use the equipment for research, distance learning, homework, job searching, email communication, applying for government services; really the possibilities are endless!
In addition, NHCP will offer computer-focused instructional classes such as basic computer skills, resume building, job searching and more intermediate to advanced computer skills. Our plan includes a large smart TV, which will aid and facilitate instructional classes.
The computer lab will be open to the general public (free of charge) but we will concentrate on outreach efforts to the following population segments that may benefit from the services of a computer lab:
-Students
NHCP will reach out to the local public schools in an effort to distribute information on the lab to students who need to utilize a computer for writing papers, conducting research and completing other assignments. The Brunswick Public Library, the only alternate resource in the local area, is closed on Fridays and Sundays.
-Senior Community
NHCP will also focus marketing efforts to reach our seniors who are looking to connect with family online, apply for services and benefits, learn how to use a computer, take classes or gain general knowledge.
-Unemployed
Without a home computer and internet connection, job seekers are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to re-entering the workplace. In addition, the nearest employment resource center is 16 miles away in Frederick, which is difficult to reach for residents without transportation. The community computer lab will assist job seekers with searching and applying for jobs online, resume classes and courses to build job-related skills. Individuals can also utilize the lab to apply for unemployment insurance and other services and network.
-Adult Learners
The computer has become a classroom for millions around the world. The community computer lab will enable individuals to take distance learning courses and other web-based instructional programs. Over time, NHCP will seek to partner with Lynda.com, MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy, Frederick Community College and others to offer expanded learning options for users of the computer lab.
With limited options in Brunswick for publicly-available computing, we are confident that this lab will serve a vital need in our community, enrich the lives of our residents, aid job-seekers and assist individuals wishing to acquire computer skills, learn and explore. For more information, please contact us at info@newhopepartnership.org.
