Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) has been a key player in advancing digital inclusion in Avondale, a neighborhood with significant needs in terms of access to digital tools and skills. Most recently, UCI was awarded funding to continue digital skills programming in partnership with the Avondale Library. The United Way/EY Digital Divide Fund was so pleased with UCI's work that they provided a second round of funding.
UCI teamed up with the library to effectively utilize the funds, focusing on addressing its most critical needs, particularly its support of the Avondale community in multiple ways. Together, UCI and the Avondale Branch Library identified the physical resources and expertise that would provide the greatest benefit to residents.
Avondale Library Manager Tiffani Carter. Photo Provided by: David Slaughter.
The first workshop, held on October 23, focused on workforce digital resources, including LinkedIn, and provided attendees with valuable professional development tools. Dinner was provided, and attendees received one-on-one support during and after the session. Laptops were available for use. The workshop was led by the Avondale Library’s Manager, Tiffani Carter.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect our Avondale community with library resources in innovative ways. True community thrives when knowledge and resources are shared, empowering individuals to enhance their lives and grow together,” said Carter.
In addition, grant funding allowed photographer David Slaughter to provide free professional headshots at both workshops, offering attendees a valuable resource for their career development.
The second workshop, held on October 30, focused on hands-on training with Google Drive. This session was led by two UC students, Lily Botsyoe and Abigail Dogbe, who guided attendees through the various features and tools available on Google Drive. As with the first workshop, dinner was provided, and attendees received one-on-one support. Laptops were available for use, and headshots were again offered.
Each workshop participant received a free tech kit, a magnifier, a lens cleaning kit and USB drive. These items were purchased in bulk, 100 of each, for the library to distribute to patrons as they continue developing their digital skills.
Attendees of the workshops had the chance to enter a prize drawing, with rewards focused on enhancing digital skills. Prizes included a Lenovo laptop with a warranty, Microsoft Office Suite, virus protection, and professional padfolios.
Thirty individuals were served through the workshops and headshots, and hundreds more will benefit from the tech items distributed. Moving forward, UCI is supporting ADC to take the lead on many of these efforts, ensuring that this vital work continues within the community. UCI remains committed to advocating for increased resources to bridge the digital divide in Avondale and help residents access essential tools for success.
These workshops are in response to a community digital inclusion study UCI organized and led in 2022, highlighting the importance of expanding digital access and training in Uptown. Since then, UCI, in partnership with the University of Cincinnati School of IT and the Avondale Development Corporation, has made significant strides in providing digital skills training and technical support to youth, adults, and seniors, all funded through grants.