AGIF/CA VOP Receives Grant for

Computer Technology Training

By Helen Galvan

The American GI Forum of California Veterans Outreach Program (VOP) has received a grant in the amount of $10,000.00 from AT&T.  The grant will be split evenly between two AGIF/CA chapters that have secured computer training sites to begin training immediately.  The training is geared to 60% for Veterans, and 40% for others.

The Cpl. Joseph J. Heredia/Santa Maria Valley Chapter and the El Camino Real Chapter in Whittier are the two chapters in position to do this training.  The Santa Maria Chapter has subcontracted with Santa Maria Training Options and the El Camino Real Chapter has secured the Rio Hondo College to do the training.

This is a small grant, but it is a start.  With successful completion, we will begin to develop a track record that will enable us to seek and acquire bigger grants in the future.  The AGIF/CA VOP has also submitted proposals to other corporations that may soon award additional grants to continue and expand this training on an ongoing basis to other chapters willing and ready to implement similar programs.

The training will consist of beginning to more advanced computer skills, depending on the needs of the students.  Priority will be given to Veterans, and then their families; and will be extended to low-income community members.  The goal of this program is to enable Veterans and their families to learn or upgrade their skills to make them more viable employees.  It is also to give low-income, particularly non-English speakers, the ability and knowledge they need to make better decisions regarding purchasing computers for their children, and the responsibilities inherent in accessing the World Wide Web.

The Santa Maria and El Camino Chapters will be more than willing to share their successes, forms, materials, etc. needed to replicate this program in other areas.  Both chapters would also be willing to send members to your area to assist in implementing the program.