Computer Skills Class at BHS Nov. 15

Bloomfield residents are being invited to take part in a program on Nov. 15 to help low-income families gain basic computer skills and understand how the Internet can be relevant and useful. 

The 90-minute training program, taught as part of Comcast’s recently launched Internet Essentials program, will take place at Bloomfield High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

To qualify for the session, which is open to the public, participants must qualify as low-income families with children who are eligible to receive free lunches under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). 

The goal of Internet Essentials is to help close the digital divide and ensure more Americans benefit from all the Internet has to offer. 

The topics covered in these informative training sessions will include: 

● Which online resources are available to help families meet everyday needs, such as finding healthcare information or job openings
● How to protect personal information on the Internet
● How to introduce your family to safe habits while browsing the Internet 

Research shows the majority of those without broadband service do not understand how the Internet can positively impact them. 

This session aims to provide a broad overview of the benefits available to families, including those receiving Internet access at home for the first time under Comcast’s Internet Essentials program. 

Internet Essentials participants receive: 

Residential Internet service for $9.95 a month + tax;
● No price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees;
● A voucher to purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 + tax; and
● Access to free digital literacy training in person, in print and online. 

A household is eligible to participate in the Internet Essentials program if it meets all of the following criteria: 

● Is located where Comcast offers Internet service;
● Has at least one child eligible to receive a free school lunch under the NSLP;
● Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; and
● Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment. 

For general information about Internet Essentials, visit internetessentials.com for English or internetbasico.com for Spanish. Educators or third parties interested in helping to spread the word can find more information at internetessentials.com/partner.  Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-(855) 846-8376 or, for Spanish, 1 (855) 765-6995. 

Bloomfield High School is located at 160 N. Broad St. in Bloomfield.