Thomas Memorial Library is partnering with the Greater Portland Council of Governments to offer technology classes to our community through the National Digital Equity Center.  As part of the Maine Digital Inclusion Initiative, the National Digital Equity Center offers free online learning in the form of interactive instructional webinars, as well as onsite classes at partner locations throughout Maine.  Before participating in these free classes and tutoring, each participant must be enrolled in the Maine Digital Inclusion Initiative (MDII) at www.digitalequity.org/enroll.

An introductory session will be held at the Thomas Memorial Library on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.  Participants will be able to enroll at this introductory session and gain access to programs and online training resources.  Francisco Garcia, Cumberland County Digital Navigator with the National Digital Equity Center, will share information about how this new partnership can empower participants by providing them with essential digital skills that could greatly enhance their personal and professional lives, and also provide an overview of how the NDEC can help library users, particularly older adults, develop essential technology skills.

NDEC classes fall into three curricula designed for the digital literacy needs of adults where they are in their life -- whether it be raising a family, going to school, improving employment opportunities or running a business, or looking forward to retirement and or aging in place:

• For Work & Business -- classes designed to help develop workforce and small business skills
• For Home & Education -- classes that meet general digital literacy needs and that of educators
• Aging Well with Technology -- classes designed for residents 55+

The National Digital Equity Center also has an Affordable Devices Program, funded through the Maine Office of Community Development, that provides free devices to Maine residents 18 years of age and older who are of low to moderate income.  Devices include tables with cellular connectivity for individuals without internet access and refurbished laptops and desktop computers.