Computer-training program to give away 12 netbooks

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Connect Ohio will give away 12 new netbook computers to Ohio adults who complete the Every Citizen Online basic computer-training program.

The program is free.

Adults interested in learning the basics of using a computer and the Internet and being entered into a random drawing to win one of the computers can register by contacting the following Every Citizen Online training locations:

Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, registration: 330-744-8636, Main Branch, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown; Austintown Branch, 600 S. Raccoon Road; Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave.; Brownlee Woods Branch, 4010 Sheridan Road, Youngstown; Campbell Branch, 374 Sanderson Ave.; East Library, 430 Early Road; Newport Library, 3730 Market St.; Poland Branch, 311 S. Main St.; Sebring Branch, 195 W. Ohio Ave.; Struthers Branch, 95 Poland Ave.; McKinley Memorial Library, registration: 330-652-1704, McKinley Memorial Home and Research Center, 40 N. Main St., Niles; Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, Registration: 330-399-8807, ext. 406, Main Branch, 444 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren; Howland Branch, 9095 E. Market St.; Liberty Branch, 415 Church Hill-Hubbard Road.

“Ohio adults have already shown great interest in the Every Citizen Online program and the opportunity for free basic-computer and Internet training,” said Tom Fritz, Connect Ohio executive director. “We’re excited about the opportunity to distribute new computers to a dozen of the adults taking advantage of the program to help them get online more easily.”

Connect Ohio has partnered with more than 200 libraries, community colleges, education and career centers across the state to offer the training, including Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, McKinley Memorial, and Warren-Trumbull County libraries.

“The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library is proud to partner with Connect Ohio to provide this free training to residents in our community,” said Tyra Ealy, information technology manager. “We are dedicated to providing access to the digital world so that everyone can take advantage of the ever-growing resources and services available through the Internet.”

More than 3,000 adults already have completed the Every Citizen Online training since it launched in December 2010. Participants are helped to establish an email account and provided with additional training resources to help them continue to learn and use information available online. Connect Ohio plans to train a total of 200,000 Ohioans by the program’s completion in December 2012.

Program participants completing an online survey after the training will be entered into the random drawing giveaway. The entry period runs through June 20. Winners will be announced in late June.