AFN Right Click News                                                                             September  2016
Empowerment Through Technology

Greetings from the Executive Director


This summer provided us many opportunities to continue breaking down digital barriers.
 
Through our partnership with Refugees Services of Texas we taught a dual basic computer literacy class for Arabic and Spanish speakers. I am so proud of my staff for always coming up with innovative ways to connect with students.
 
In August, I had the opportunity to talk with parents about digital literacy at AISD's annual Back-to-School Bash at the Palmer Events Center. It was great to meet with families as they prepare for the new school year. Many parents want to learn new computer skills and access the Internet to keep on top of their child's school work. And we are here to help.
 
I am also extremely excited by the show of support Austin Free-Net received during our first "Lightning Talk" about the emerging technology skills gap on August 18. This is such a vital topic for many of the clients we serve. We want to provide people the skills needed to secure sustainable jobs in today's technology workforce.
 
As we move forward with our new program year, I encourage you to continue supporting digital inclusion by helping Austin Free-Net as a financial donor, volunteer or advocate. Your involvement makes a difference.


Sincerely,
Juanita Budd
 
Program News
AFN Speaker Forum Addresses Tech Skills Gap

Panelists included Preston L. James, Parisa Fatehi-Weeks, Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette and 
Beth Tracy
How can we solve the emerging technology skills gap? On August 18, Austin Free-Net hosted a lighting talk panel discussion with a diverse cross section of community leaders to address Austin's technology skills gap. The well attended event gave a snap shot of possible solutions from the small business, education and corporate sectors. 

IBM Awards AFN with a New Grant

Austin Free-Net is excited to announce that we have received a 2016-2017 IBM Discretionary Grant! The $10,000 grant will help support AFN's digital literacy programs and access to the Internet. Over the past fiscal year, IBM has been a valued collaborator with AFN and we are grateful for the partnership.

Read More.
Welcome New NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellow

Austin Free-Net is proud to introduce our newest team member, Tianca Crocker. She was one of twenty-two people across the country selected as a 2016 Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) Fellow.  Last year, NTEN announced its first ever Digital Inclusion Fellowship (DIF), in partnership with Google Fiber. In an effort to increase digital literacy and broadband adoption in digitally divided communities, NTEN placed 16 Fellows in locally-based organizations in eight cities across the country. This year AFN is one of the now 11 cities to host a Fellow.

Read More.
AFN and Austin Public Library Launch New Program

Computer skills + Wellness info =  Healthy Austinites! 

Thanks  to a recent grant from the Austin Public Library, AFN will be launching a new program in September, Getting It Done: My Library Keeps Me Healthy.  

The new collaboration will pair computer literacy skills and opportunities to build health literacy. Customers of the Library of all ages will receive one-to-one coaching at three library locations: Little Walnut Creek, Central Library and Terrazas library. 

Business Leader Inspires Techno-Women                                              
Respected business owner and community leader, Robena Jackson 
shared words of wisdom and encouragement during our Tech n o-Women class in July.  Robena is the owner of Group Solu tions RJW. Founded in 1992, the company has a history of successful community engagement on infrastructure projects involv ing diverse stakeholders representing community, business, and/or governmental interests.  Robena encouraged the stu dents who are pursuing a career in the IT industry to focus on their long term goals for their families as challenges come their way. 

AFN Out and About

AFN Speaker Forum at Google Fiber Space (l-r) AFN Board Members, Kevin Enders (President) and John Sirman. 
AFN Links
In This Issue
Volunteer Spotlight

We want to send out a big Thank You to our summer IT volunteers, Chen Cui and Elpido "Pete" Buantello. They were a tremendous help this summer ensuring that all 155 of our public site computers were upgraded and up to date.
 
Chen, a student from China, contacted us in June to share his technology expertise. He just graduated with a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University and was staying in Austin with friends. He had some free time before he started a new job with AMD in Boston.

Funder News


In August, AFN was honored with a monetary gift of $900 from the WellMed Charitable Foundation. The donation was announced at the 10th Anniversary GIVE Reception on August 29, attended by the Austin Free-Net Executive Director.

AFN Supporters
Thank you to our 2015-2016 Supporters & Partners






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