Digital Literacy is a program of LiteracyCNY that teaches
adults basic computer skills.
Trained volunteers assist individuals with operating devices, navigating the internet, and using software. The customer decides what he or she needs help with.
The program offers free drop-in and appointment-based computer help at locations across Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, and Herkimer Counties. To View Program Sites and Schedule: Click Here
Our Purpose
In 2022, LiteracyCNY launched the Digital Literacy program.
We envision a community where everyone can readily acquire digital skills, and easily access technology and the internet.
Our mission is to narrow the digital divide by providing individuals with access to free computer help.
Digital Literacy (n):
Program Highlights
Program Year July 2022 through June 2023
*Value of volunteer hours estimated by Independent Sector
Customers get help with many different tasks, commonly including how to:
Operate Devices
Use a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
Upload a document to email or a USB drive
Use Software
Work on Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Create a resume or cover letter
Navigate the Internet
Search for jobs / complete job applications
Access online resources
Find a bus route
Locate community agencies or services
Set up a profile / complete online forms
Connect to friends and family
Create and access an email account
Open a savings or checking account
Submit healthcare forms / access a patient portal
Obtain school information / apply for student loans
Recover a password
And more!
Our program is intended for adults; however, we will work with individuals who are at least 16 years old.
Drop-in Locations:
Find a location with drop-in help on our Sites and Schedule page. Stop in when a Digital Literacy volunteer is scheduled to be there, the staff will direct you to our stationed volunteer, and ask what you need help with.
Appointment-Based Locations:
Go to the program location’s website, linked on our Sites and Schedule page. Find the computer help shift you’d like to book, and follow the instructions and fill in your information.
If you’re having a hard time getting to our schedule, booking your appointment, or navigating the location’s website, call or email Digital Literacy Coordinator Lydia Torres at (315)643-0282 or Ltorres@Literacycny.org for assistance.
Digital Divide (n): the economic, educational, and social inequalities
between those who have computers and online access and those who do not.
32.4% of Syracuse Families and People with Income Under the Poverty Level
18.5% of Syracuse households without a home computer
30.8% of Syracuse households without an internet subscription
While smartphones are prevalent, they cannot perform all of the tasks that desktops or laptops can.
Lack of computers in homes or easy access to the internet has serious economic and social consequences. Without a computer and internet access, computer skills become much harder to acquire, and access to invaluable information, jobs and services is severely constricted.
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