By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce

On Oct. 15, the Northside|North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s workforce program, Northside Works!, kicked off a Digital Literacy Program in collaboration with WIN-Spirations, Inc. and One Northside. A celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony was held before the start of the program with the leaders of each partner organization, Rep. Emily Kinkead, Brennan Coleman of Rep. Lindsay Powell’s office, and several board members for the chamber and WIN.

When diving deeper into workforce issues, employers are reporting that they see applicants applying for and interviewing for positions, but need to strengthen their soft skills. In addition, applicants are losing out on jobs and careers that provide life-sustaining wages due to the digital work that our workforce demands.

“In today’s economy, technology is a driving force behind economic growth and opportunity. One Northside recognizes providing access to digital tools and skills is crucial to fostering a more equitable workforce”, Michelle Porter, Director of One Northside said.

The Chamber, along with One Northside, identified this need and sought out a partner who could offer no-cost, to those eligible, or low-cost classes to hone in on these skills.

“We hope this collaboration will prove beneficial to improving the employment pipeline for both job seekers and employers,” Porter said.

I contacted Chamber member Dawn Pomaybo, Executive Director for WIN & GIN and Program Director for the newly formed WIN Workforce Development Program, to learn more about this newly developed program. I learned that WIN-Spirations, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is one of the recipients of a nearly $4.9 million awarded by the Shapiro Administration and the Department of Labor & Industry to 50 organizations boosting digital literacy across Pennsylvania.

WIN-Spirations is dedicated to reducing poverty and building gender equity by offering networking, professional mentoring, and education to individuals facing economic hardship. Their mission includes removing employment barriers, providing job training, and supporting individuals in finding sustainable employment.

Thanks to this grant, WIN provides digital literacy courses throughout Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties as part of our WIN-Initiatives. These courses will be offered at their Greensburg WIN Workforce Development Program Center and the WIN Resource Center in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. In addition, classes will be scheduled within the communities and at our partner facilities, further strengthening our partnerships.

“Carrie Nolan-Robson’s visionary efforts to unite WIN with the Northside|North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Northside Works, and One Northside will significantly enhance our ability to support Pittsburgh residents facing economic challenges”, said Pomaybo. “Together, we will help more individuals secure sustainable employment while improving their digital literacy skills. We are thankful and appreciative of the partnerships and look forward to joining forces with other employers and agencies that want to join forces as part of this WIN-Initiative!”

The class is offered to anyone (employed, under-employed, or unemployed) looking to refresh those computer skills or learn new skills. Several employees from A1 Resources took part in the Oct. 15 class.

“We at A1 Resources are excited to participate in the computer literacy program,” said participant Mark Lay, managing partner of A1 Resources. “It is an awesome opportunity to teach our employees one of the most important skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. The class not only covers the basics of computing, but the programs necessary to navigate in the business world.”

This digital offering will take place every third Tuesday of the month at CoLab 18 in Nova Place, at 100 S. Commons on the Northside. Different topics will be taught in the one-hour session and then the lab will be open for individuals to search for employment, write a résumé, and practice and develop additional digital skills. There are three easy ways to register for a class: scan the QR code, email instructor@WIN-Spirations.org, or call/text (412) 965-3971.