Approximately one third of adults in southwest Detroit are unemployed. In today’s economy, it is essential for job seekers to be computer literate and to have access to technology. Most companies require applicants to apply for open jobs on their website or through an electronic resume submitted via email. Further, many entry-level jobs require the use of a computer and software in day-to-day activities.

Yet in southwest Detroit, where the residents are predominately Latino, the area is faced with an increasingly significant digital divide. Residents of the area are 20 percentage points less likely to have computer access at home, and this creates a serious barrier in today's digital world. This project helps to increase the employment potential of adults served through SER’s Center for Working Families by funding a resource lab within the center. Specifically this project funds the costs of four (4) new computers, access to career exploration software, and ESL learning software.

The lab will be primarily used by participants who do not have access to a computer and/or the internet at home and do not know how to effectively use computer technology. This project will provide the skills and resources necessary for these job seekers to successfully provide for themselves and for their families.

The SER Career Development and Learning Lab will primarily benefit the Southwest area of Detroit. Depending on the neighborhood, 31.6% to 38.8% of residents in this area are living in poverty and do not have the resources they need to make ends meet. Unemployment in Detroit exceeds 25%.

Southwest Detroit is predominately Latino (over 70% according to the 2010 Census) and there are multiple studies on the digital divide between Latino and white households. According to a 2008 study from the Pew Institute, 37% of Hispanic households had access to a computer at home, compared to a national average of 56% of households. The study also indicates that Spanish-speaking Hispanics are far less likely than English speaking Hispanics to have access to technology.

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Direct Impact of Your Project

Over a one-year period, the project will provide 300 individuals with general access. 50 of the residents counted in the general access number will also use the basic ESL software.

Extended Impact on Your Partner Community

The computer literacy skills learned through participation in this program are valuable and relevant skills that can be shared with the whole family. Considering and average family size of 4, the additional family members will all benefit indirectly from this project. Other family members also benefit from the income and stability that employment brings.