Bridges to Technology
"with access to technology for all"

Bridges to Technology is a program created by the Stanislaus County Library in partnership with The Great Valley Center, CVDN, and the Corporation for National Service to address the area’s Digital Divide. This program promotes access to technology and information to all people in Stanislaus County. This program is run by trained volunteers dedicated to the issue of Digital Literacy.

Computer Classes are currently being taught.  You are invited to attend these courses or to become trained to teach a variety of computer courses.

MAY Class Schedule for Modesto   
JUNE Class Schedule for Modesto  
MAY Class Schedule for Branches
JUNE Class Schedule for Branches
Volunteer Opportunities
Helpful Websites for learning the Internet
Sitios del Web en Español

What is The Digital Divide?

• Digital Divide is the gap between different communities in terms of access to technology and the Internet, educational achievement, and employment opportunities.

• A lack of access to technology within communities based on race/ethnicity, education, and income.

• Called one of today's most important civil rights issues.

• An "information gap" in communities under-served by access to technology.

• Areas that are rich in information are more economically successful and have greater opportunities for personal advancement.

• The Digital Divide is not just about race and income.  It has many dimensions, including: Small Business vs. Large, Rural vs. Urban, Literacy and Educational Attainment, Elderly vs. Young, Non-English Speaking, Low-Speed vs. High Speed, Low Income vs. High Income, People with Disabilities, and Community Based Organizations.

What is The Great Valley Center?

The Great Valley Center is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization committed to building support for California's Great Central Valley as a distinct region and assisting in the process of planning for the 21st century.   Part of that commitment includes using today's technology to share information, by educating and getting everyone connected to technology, and aid local decision-making. 

What is Central Valley Digital Network?

The purpose of the Central Valley Digital Network

• "getting everyone connected to technology"

• to empower and enable local communities to increase thie economic opportunity, creating real options for accessing information technology and learning new skills in a region risking isolation from participation in the New Economy

How you can take
advantage of this Program?

     If you are interested in attending courses at any of the Stanislaus County Library branches, please phone the appropriate branch for course schedules.

     If you are interested in becoming a Computer Trainer and Tutor for the Stanislaus County Library, please contact the Reference Department at 558-7814.  Volunteer trainers will receive the satisfaction of serving this diverse community as well as recognition at volunteer appreciation events, future work references, and will gain computer skills and teaching experience.

     To obtain more information on the Digital Divide in the Central Valley or the Bridges to Technology project, please visit the following web sites or call 558-7814.

The Great Valley Center   
Central Valley Digital Network    
Stanislaus County Library
Corporation for National Service    
National Telecommunications & Information Administration  

This information has been created by Bridget Beck and provided by Bridges to Technology, a program by the Stanislaus County Library.  Use of this material should credit the author and the SCL.