The STEP-UP program has created 45 computer labs in rural areas of southern West Virginia through funding and support of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

The program, to date, has been a remarkable success. More than 14,000 individual users have dropped in to use these facilities, which are located in churches, workforce centers, community centers and libraries. There, they can take classes to develop their job skills, learn how to use computers, do research for homework or just learn how to send email and pictures to family and friends.

These sites have become community assets – and sometimes the only free public access to computers and broadband Internet access in the area. As such, they are highly valued by the groups and individuals using them.

What makes this project truly unique is the “non-threatening” and community-oriented location of the labs. Rather than placing labs in community colleges or universities that might intimidate a person with lower literacy skills, Mission West Virginia labs are located in local congregations and community buildings that promote and support an environment conducive to exploring new educational options. This unique “synergy” was discussed by Reverend Hilda Kennedy at the Premier Learning Center in McDowell County:

SPOKES provides that last important step toward self-reliance to people wishing to move off welfare and into the job market. That is the heart of Premier Learning Center, moving toward self sufficiency with dignity. But there’s more going on. Both adult and youth learning opportunities developed as a result of the Mission WV STEP UP Project. With the advantage of modern, fast and DSL-ready computers, users are able to work smarter.

An adult computer awareness class for the general community has also developed and includes a resident who suffered from a stroke and has limited use of his right side. He attends and enjoys learning basic computer skills. A second grade child facing an ADHD diagnosis who was being raised by her single parent father now uses a computer for hours daily. We purchased educational games for her and she has shown remarkable ability to use the equipment. Utilizing Broadband technology, local residents are fascinated with the opportunity to participate in the internet, an advantage not often found in the area.

We cannot express our appreciation adequately for your generous gift of resources, time, expertise and technical assistance all of which has invested significantly in lives and futures for years to come. McDowell County residents face a brighter future thanks to opportunities such as this.

To locate labs in your area,call us at (304)523-0623

To find out how your organization can apply to be a lab site, please contact David Rogers or Timothy Elliott at 304-523-0623. You can also email either of them at techsupport@missionwv.org