What is the Tools 4 School - Technology Program?
A loaner laptop program and a series of free workshops to teach digital literacy skills to adults in our community.
Who qualifies?
Adults 18+ who identify as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) and commit to a minimum 1-year enrollment in our T4S Technology Program.
How are participants identified?
Participants can self-identify and contact us for assistance. Many of our clients are from referrals from Hunterdon County agencies aware of our program and the benefits it offers enrollees. We also receive referrals from school administrators who know of parents and guardians who lack computer access and/or skills.
How does it work?
- One a client contacts us or is referred for assistance, a member of United Way of Hunterdon County will schedule an initial interview to understand the client's needs and potential to participate in the program.
- If the client and UWHC agree this is a program they can commit to, the client will sign an agreement to participate in the program.
- The client agrees to attend a monthly class (either in person or via Zoom with a trainer) to continue learning computer skills.
Download our Participant fliers
Tools 4 School - Technology Program Frequently Asked Questions
As with all United Way of Hunterdon County programs, there is no cost to participate. However, we expect that every client agrees to at minimum a 1-year agreement so that they can learn essential computer skills.
We will present a mix of content, including basics such as setting up email accounts, to learning how to navigate online meetings, to learning Google tools (Docs, Drive, Sheets, and more), to understanding how to safely browse the internet. We will also offer more custom content for parents and guardians of students in the Flemington Raritan School District who could benefit from learning Genesis, the FRSD online learning platform. We also offer open sessions where clients can meet one-on-one with a teacher to navigate specific learning goals.
Some programs will be completely taught in Spanish, and at a minimum we will have a Spanish translator available at all sessions.
Classes are held on weekday evenings at our Volunteer Center in Flemington.
Currently, we expect clients to borrow laptops for at least 1-year, which is the minimum duration of their enrollment in the program.
Classes are taught by volunteers, school teachers, administrators, and United Way staff.
Our friends at ExxonMobil have generously donated gently used laptops to UWHC for this explicit use. Their staff have ensured that the laptops are in working order an have anti-virus and other software installed.
Currently, UWHC has secured software licenses that are non-transferrable, but we are exploring opportunities for permanent laptop ownership.
Yes! Childcare is provided when needed, and with prior notification that you will bring your child. There are at minimum 2 adults watching the children in an open area at the Volunteer Center.
Contact us at 908.237.1689 x128 or email laura@uwhunterdon.org