Breaking Barriers: How SACSS Computer Class Empowers Students for Job Success

SACSS understands how critical computer literacy skills are to help immigrants find a job, use the internet for work and school, handle finances, and other tasks that require digital skills and experience to know what to do online.

In our Computer Class held every Tuesday from 10-12:30 p.m., students learn the basics of using a laptop computer, how operating systems (e.g., Windows, MacOS, Chrome) work, typing on a keyboard, how the internet works, navigating and using the internet effectively, and using email. Most of our students are beginners, while others are improving their computer literacy skills.

Narendra K., who immigrated to the U.S. from India, is determined to learn digital skills to find an accounting job. Although skilled in manual accounting, he feels that accounting today is increasingly automated. Knowing how to use digital tools and software will help him compete better in the job market.

His peer, Meenakshi, says computer literacy is critical in nearly all aspects of life, such as paying bills online and managing finances.

“Everything is online nowadays, and we can’t depend on our children every time,” said Meenakshi, who is interested in learning to use Microsoft Word to create resumes and other documents and potentially take on remote work, and eventually learning to use software such as Canva to create design projects. “We must move with the world and keep learning so we don’t feel lost and left behind.”

Once students have mastered the basics, they will be introduced to Microsoft programs such as Word and Excel and Google applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, etc.

“Every student is very keen and committed to learning and moving ahead. My goal is to ensure every one of them is building their digital skills, keeping pace with the teaching, and becoming more confident in their abilities,” said Rema Venu, SACSS ESOL instructor who takes English and Computer classes.