Outreach - Computer Technology Training

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Workers Academy

Over the last 4 years, The BNC Workers’ Academy has developed a new and very successful, village based, computer-training model in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta that has demonstrated major successes in initiating the office based software “infostructure” training.

Established by Bethel Native Corporation with a 4-year Federally earmarked Department of Labor grant, this unique outreach program has established working partnerships with some 100 village employers and provided accredited computer training to over 400 employees over it first 4 years of operation. During this current fiscal year funded by a 1-year State DOL STEP grant, the Academy has delivered village based training to over 70 employees from 25 employers in 6 villages.

In partnership with Computer Information and Office Systems (CIOS) Department at Kuskokwim Campus, UAF, Bethel, Alaska, WA has established a first-ever, office-based computer software outreach-training program able to provide village-based, accredited “intensive” training to local village workforces. A portable 16-laptop computer lab travels with the teacher to a local village for quick classroom setup.

Over the last 3 years, 40 classes completed in Bethel and 15 villages to over 400 employees of 100 village employers where the laptop lab and teacher has logged over 4,000 miles of travel.

The 1 and 2 credit “intensive” classes have offered most village trainees their first formal computer training and 40% of all successful trainees have earned their first-ever college credit.

WA employee graduates almost double the region’s college annual enrollment.


Brad Kehoe
BNC Workers Academy
907.543.2124
brad_kehoe@bethel.uaf.edu

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