Connect Ohio Launches Every Citizen Online Broadband Adoption Program

Connect Ohio, a Connected Nation state-based program, has launched a unique initiative to help Ohioans gain access to free computer and broadband training classes. This program, called Every Citizen Online, is a partnership with more than 100 libraries and community colleges across Ohio.

For Connect Ohio, this program is a new way to help Ohio residents understand and experience the impact of broadband. Since 2008, Connect Ohio has been working in the state to expand broadband adoption and use. Historically, the program has focused on broadband mapping and community technology planning efforts.

Every Citizen Online takes it one step further — by offering free computer classes to adults who have limited experience with computers and high-speed Internet.

Funded by a $10 millon federal grant (a $6.9 million BTOP grant and $3.1 million in matching funds), the program plans to help more than 200,000 state residents by offering free computer training classes, which will introduce first-time adult users to the wide range of communication, education, and healthcare tools available online.

In an effort to get the word out, Connect Ohio launched a statewide public awareness campaign today, with extensive television, radio, and print spots.

Here is one of the television announcements:

Classes are scheduled to begin in January 2011 at libraries and community colleges throughout the state and will continue for two years.

To learn more, visit http://www.connectohio.org/consumer_training/.