WinstonNet “Connect Your Community” Program Provides Computer Training and Assistance to Forsyth County Residents

WinstonNet has received a grant to sponsor the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Connect Your Community (CYC) program, a project of OneCommunity, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce's "Broadband Technology Opportunities Program". CYC will provide free computer application training for Forsyth County citizens in need. In addition to this training, CYC will provide help and support for students in obtaining affordable Internet connection and computer in the home. CYC’s goal is to have 1,750 people trained and connected in the region by the end of the 20 month program. Through a partnership with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, WinstonNet is identifying and reaching out to many citizens through their children in the system. The grant totals $1,064,062 in federal funds.

Classes are scheduled to begin in December 2010 and will be held in WinstonNet computer labs, schools and other community facilities. An adult family member will complete about 24 hours of computer courses taught by CYC corps members, making him or her eligible for assistance in purchasing a low cost, highly functional computer and a broadband connection for the family's use. CYC is working to minimize the out-of-pocket costs for these families and will offer individual, one-on-one assistance to help citizens find affordable connectivity.

For more information, call 336.703.4138 and visit the CYC national website www.connectcommunity.org.