Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center

I would like to introduce you to Joe Hartley, one of the many adults to benefit from OIC’s Adult Basic Computer Literacy class (ABCL). Mr. Hartley comes from a successful career with Coca-Cola and other major businesses and is experienced in sales and employee training. However, he had never been employed at a computer job, and when he retired from the state in 2005 he found himself lacking the knowledge to communicate electronically or effectively job search. He found out what many have also realized: computer skills are now an essential tool in accomplishing nearly any career task. After learning about the ABCL course, Mr. Hartley enrolled. Truth be told, he was worried he might break the computer or be too confused. However, Joe says that while at first he was lost, the teacher spoke in plain language, encouraged him to keep trying, assured that he couldn’t mess up anything, and answered all of his questions. According to Joe, absolutely everything covered in the class has been useful to his life. 

Now Joe is able to manage his life’s affairs independently, instead of relying heavily on his daughter to handle his bills and finances. Joe plans to purchase a desktop computer and use his new skills to find and apply for his next job. He raves about the great learning environment OIC provides and the teacher's helpfulness in instruction and practice examples. 

The purpose of ABCL is to empower adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the many tasks now required on the computer. Many “OGs”, as Arizona OIC President and CEO Dr. Gene Blue has affectionately termed our more mature adults, have never been taught the functions most of today’s youth have learned from the cradle such as navigating a Google search, utilizing Email, or even online shopping. Without someone willing to walk through applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, or to show how to set up an Email address, many of these individuals would miss out on the useful tools so many of us use daily. Teaching adults the basics of computer parts, software, and Internet use equips them to better communicate with their loved ones, access important information from their home or computer center, and enjoy new hobbies and skills. For those in the job market, this class is even more invaluable.

Help OIC provide the community with necessary courses like ABCL. Join those already giving to ensure our mature adults aren't left behind or penalized. Your $50 donation can provide full sponsorship of one ABCL student. Imagine the new life opportunities available when a person is equipped with the power of a computer and the internet.