Community Technology Centers

“Bridging The Digital Divide”

When most people hear me say that Joy Corporation is a computer technology center (CTC) the first thing they ask is, “A what?”.

CTC’s allow the community, usually low-income communities, to have free access to computer technologies through public computer labs, free training, as well as technology seminars and resources. In essence, a CTC is a place where technology is available to those who may have little or no opportunity to use or learn to use these technologies. As fast as technology is growing today, CTC’s are a critical part of economic development in low income areas.

Unfortunately, Louisiana as a state is behind in technology in comparison with the rest of the nation. Our technologically challenged status combined with being one of the poorest states, the need to bridge the digital divide in Louisiana becomes clearer than you could ever imagine. Many people don’t understand the importance of technology; especially those that are fortunate to be able to use it every day.

For example, let’s say that a low income resident, with no computer skills and no computer in the home wants to find a job. She dreads putting together her resume because she knows that under the skills section, she cannot honestly say “I have computer skills”. What job would hire her under those circumstances? What job does not use technology skills or computer knowledge to some extent? CTC’s help people that don’t have computer skills and still want to get a job. Through free training and exposure to technology, they will no longer be afraid of the skills section of their resumes… and that truly is bridging the digital divide.

To learn more about JoyTech and the free resources we offer, visit @ http://www.joycorp.org/JoyTech-home.html .
To learn more about CTCs visit www.ctcnet.org .