Free digital skills training classes for 330,000 NYCHA residents

CITYWIDE — NEW YORK CITY’S Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser on Friday announced the launch of a program bringing free digital skills training to 330,000 NYCHA residents, including tenants of more than 60 developments across Brooklyn. The ‘Big Apple Connect’ Digital Learning Resource Hub is rolling out live virtual classes, pre-recorded training sessions and additional resources on topics including the basics of computer hardware, online privacy and security, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The first free live training, “Getting to Know Your Computer,” takes place Tuesday, Dec. 16 in English and Thursday, Dec. 18, in Spanish, with more languages to come. Learners should register online at techhubnyc.org. A recording of the class and instructional materials will be posted on the site following the live training.

Mayor Eric Adams created the Office of Technology and Innovation to consolidate NYC’s disparate digital offices. The city’s efforts to bridge the digital divide have centered on three areas: internet access, devices, and digital skills training, Fraser said in a release.

Big Apple Connect provides access to free internet and basic cable to 220 NYCHA sites. As part of a recent three-year contract extension, Optimum and Spectrum made a $1.2 million investment toward the creation of the skills training hub.

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