Gates technology grant funds learning stations

Whitman County Library has received a $50,000 “Technology Made Easy” grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Washington State Library. It is designed to improve the computer and internet skills of residents with a variety of informative workshops and individual appointments at the library’s 14 locations.

The grant will provide learning stations for classes in Albion, Colfax, Palouse, Rosalia, St. John, Tekoa and Uniontown.

According to Project Manager Clancy Pool the grant provides an opportunity to make substantial upgrades at larger branch locations. The seven locations housing learning stations have high speed internet due to upgrades from federally funded grants and partnerships with the Port of Whitman and First Step Internet. Plans for a large variety of workshops this spring are already being made with subjects from building your business presence online to editing digital pictures.

The library is also using the grant to train staff and contract with educators to support computer classes. Individuals interested in providing individual computer training should email Pool, [email protected], for hiring information.