Collaboration with STEM Alliance & Funding from Kendal on Hudson Provides Literacy Support to Westchester County Community
Renewing your driver’s license or passport may mean uploading a photo on your computer.
Finding a job, may require creating a resume.
And, the most expeditious way of learning the results of your recent blood test may depend on accessing a patient portal.
These are some of the minimal requirements we face in today’s digital world. Yet, for many people, a lack of skills, accessibility and economics create monumental barriers. According to the Pew Research Center, those with lower income, lower educational attainment and increased age are most likely to be disadvantaged in meeting even the most minimal of online needs.
This includes many patients of the Open Door Care Network. In collaboration with the STEM Alliance and thanks to funding opportunities from Kendal on Hudson, this led to the organization’s decision to provide digital literacy support to patients who otherwise were unable to access and navigate needed services.
Students, who in recent classes range in age from their early 20s to their mid-80s, develop fundamental computer skills and, over time, more advanced skills that include online safety and responsibility. The digital literacy classes are part of Open Door’s digital support program which is open to all of their patients and offers both individualized 1:1 support and digital literacy classes. The classes are taught in English and Spanish.
"The program extends beyond technical instruction," said Ross Sandoval, Senior Manager, Community Education at Open Door, who runs the program with Jenifer Mendez, Community Education Specialist "Participants learn skills they can apply to their own lives, from fulfilling routine tasks with greater ease and convenience to expanding their education, career options, social capital and overall wellness."
Added Mendez, "We teach them how to search for reliable information, protect their personal data, identify potential online risks, and receive guidance on accessing the patient portal, participating in virtual healthcare visits, and utilizing community resources available online. They begin the program feeling very hesitant, and leave with the confidence, independence and ability to navigate an increasingly digital world. It provides them with economic opportunities and empowers them to build a better future. It truly transforms their lives."
One Student’s Story
Take the case of one middle-aged woman in the Digital Education class, who came in eager to learn, but also feeling uncertain. Although she occasionally used a cell phone, she had very little experience with computers and felt that technology was a barrier preventing her from accessing new opportunities.
She shared with the team her desire to contribute financially to her family’s household, but did not know where to start. Most of the jobs she came across required online applications, email communication, or a resume—tools she was not yet familiar with.
During the program, she gradually developed skills she once thought were beyond her reach. She learned how to use a computer, create and manage an email account, navigate the internet, and work with basic digital documents. What started as a challenge slowly became a source of confidence and motivation.
One of the most meaningful moments for her was discovering platforms to create resumes and search for job opportunities. For the first time, she felt she had access to tools that could help her build a better future for herself and her family. With enthusiasm, she began exploring job opportunities and imagining new ways to contribute to her household’s well-being.
“By the end of the program, she shared that she no longer feels intimidated by technology,” said Sandoval. “Beyond the technical skills she gained, she also built confidence in herself and in her ability to keep learning and reach new goals. Her story is an example of how access to digital education can transform lives, open doors to economic opportunities, and empower individuals to build a better future.”