While incarcerated, individuals have very limited access to technology and most are excluded from technology use altogether, further leading to exclusion from society once released. When transitioning to the community, recently released individuals are not prepared to return to a digital society and find it difficult to equitably access critical support they need to thrive due to lacking the technological skills that are necessary to complete tasks that will allow them to be productive and whole citizens such as being able to apply for jobs and benefits online, obtain vital records and identification, register to vote, enroll in higher education or using online banking.

Because digital literacy is an essential skill for people reentering society after incarceration to help them connect with family and resources, find employment, actively participate and contribute in today’s economy and avoid recidivism, we have partnered with the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, a branch of the Dekalb County Library System, to host a PAID digital literacy training program (S.P.A.R.K.), to support the successful re-integration of newly released individuals by bridging the digital divide they experience by providing them access to technology and the digital tools needed to be a part of modern society.  

Supporting People After Release with Knowledge (S.P.A.R.K.), is a free 8 class program that is held in person at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library located at 2861 Wesley Chapel Rd, Decatur, GA 30034. Classes will be held every other Saturday from 11am-12:30pm. Although the course is open to ALL in the community, individuals who are currently or formerly incarcerated will be prioritized. 

Class schedule: (every other Saturday from 11am-12:30pm)

• Saturday, March 8th 11am-12:30pm. Mouse and Keyboard Basics
• Saturday, March 22nd 11am-12:30pm Operating Systems and Desktop Basics
• Saturday, April 5th 11am-12:30pm Internet Basics
• Saturday, April 19th 11am-12:30pm Email Basics
• Saturday, May 3rd 11am-12:30pm Google Drive and Google Docs
• Saturday, May 17th 11am-12:30pm Resumes, Cover Letters, and Job Interview Skills 
• Saturday, May 31st 11am-12:30pm Online Job Searching
• Saturday, June 14th 11am-1:00 pm Video Conferencing Basics (NOTE: This class will last until 1pm to accommodate for graduation, lunch, presenting of the certificates & stipends.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion and $200 at the completion of the class (must attend at least 7 of the 8 classes to get the $200). For questions, email augert@dekalblibrary.org.