Spring 2000

Computer Training Program Opens Doors to Healthier Futures

uring the last few decades, computer technology has revolutionized the national and global economy. Virtually every industry uses computers in one way or another, from fast food restaurants and gas stations to universities and government agencies.

Those who have mastered the new technology will reap its rewards, such as good-paying jobs with health benefits. Those who do not have computer skills will find themselves unemployed or in low-paying jobs, neither of which offers the income or benefits necessary to obtain adequate health care.

"Research has repeatedly shown that people with low incomes are at a higher risk for health problems. In most cases, they do not have health insurance, preventing them or their families from accessing primary and preventive health care," said Gary Yates, president and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF).

"The gap between the rich and poor is widening at an alarming rate, and unless something is done to help provide equal access to technology and training, this gap - and the resulting decline in the health of people in underserved communities - will only get worse."

As part of its Work and Health Initiative, TCWF established the Computers In Our Future (CIOF) grantmaking program to help close this gap. In June 1997, 11 community-based computer centers throughout California received $525,000 each over a four-year period.

"This is an intervention with long-term health outcome goals," said Lucía Corral Peña, TCWF program officer. "Within the Work and Health Initiative, Computers In Our Future focuses on employment and training while other grant programs focus on improving benefits and conditions once a person is on the job."

All of the CIOF sites are located in low-income areas and strive toward a common goal: to provide access to computer technology and training as a means of opening doors to healthier futures.

Each program provides structured classes covering topics such as data and word processing, graphics and computer maintenance. The centers also offer open access time when staff is available to help with computer-based projects.

"TCWF defines access to include training," Corral Peña said. "There is not one CIOF center that believes putting a computer in a building and inviting people to use it is sufficient. You need someone there as a coach and trainer."

This is one of the reasons TCWF chose to fund community-based organizations rather than schools or libraries. Linda Fowells, CIOF project director at Los Angeles-based Community Partners, which provides technical assistance to the sites, agrees with this strategy.

"Access to computers at schools is limited in terms of the time available and what the students are permitted to spend their time on. Some communities don't even have libraries," Fowells said. "If they do, time and software are limited and generally the staff isn't available for more than a question or two."

Fowells also stated that some people have not had good experiences in schools or feel uncomfortable in libraries.

"There are a lot of people for whom the community center is the best option," Fowells said. "The staff has an understanding of the culture in the community and the needs of the local residents."

The exception is one community-focused CIOF site located at Desert Oasis High School, an alternative high school in El Centro. In this particular community, said TCWF's Corral Peña, the high school district was in the strongest position to serve young people, as well as adults through its adult education program.

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