Aaron Grych, United Way’s Techquity program manager, shows the box containing the laptop and related instructions each person received during the Aug. 3 Techquity event held at Blackhawk Technical College’s Beloit-Janesville Campus.
The Techquity Wisconsin Device Access and Navigation Program held at Blackhawk Technical College’s Beloit-Janesville Campus on Aug. 3 helped support individuals who did not have access to internet technology get computers and related training. During six one-hour sessions held throughout the day, about 50 participants received laptops and support from trained navigators to help them use their device.
Techquity is a statewide initiative led by United Way of Wisconsin, its network of community partners, and local United Way chapters. The initiative holds events dedicated to closing the digital divide in Wisconsin and ensuring every individual and family has access to the technology, affordable internet, and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. United Way of Wisconsin is working to make digital access available for Wisconsin residents without a computer or reliable internet access.
“By partnering with United Way, we are aiming to connect those in Rock and Green counties with technology–a need we know continues to persist in our community,” Jon Mladic, Blackhawk’s director of teaching and learning resources, shared. “While this program is marketed widely, we are hoping it is a resource for our students as well. United Way has positioned us to distribute up to 50 laptops, and the distribution event at Blackhawk hit registration capacity on July 21.”
As of July, the Techquity program has connected 28,406 individuals with laptop access and supportive navigation services. United Way of Wisconsin’s goal is to have more than 30,000 eligible individuals and families receive a no-cost, long-term-loaned device by November. Those who still wish to participate in the program can catch the next Techquity event at United Way Blackhawk Region headquarters at 101 N. Parker Drive, Suite 220, in Janesville on Aug. 20.
Those assisting with the event at Blackhawk were Teaching and Learning Resources Department team members Macaela Willadsen, Kelly Becker, Tim Hall, Nic Manogue and Jon Mladic. Aaron Grych, program manager for the Wisconsin Digital Connectivity Program at United Way, served as Blackhawk’s main contact and trained those helping with the event.