The Office of Financial Empowerment is excited to launch a Bridge to Digital Literacy program this week. Previously, we offered a Bridge to Culinary program which prepared Boston residents for jobs in hospitality – individuals spent a month with us doing basic training and working with a financial coach on budgeting, developing a budget and savings plan, and creating a resume. Then, they undertook advanced training with one of our partners, the Kroc Center, NECAT or Community Servings, and subsequently took jobs at restaurants, hospitals, schools or the new casino in Everett.
Due to many restaurant related layoffs, we wanted to transition our program to equip our clients with basic computer skills with the possibility of moving on to advanced training in coding, medical records, or other office work that leads to living wage opportunities. Our goal is to get participants employed full time soon after completing training.
Sharon Tulchinsky, OFE’s Lead Financial Coach, took the lead in developing this program with our Instructor Extraordinaire, Kelly Folsom of X-Cel Education. The two-week program is emphasizing Microsoft Office 365 & Zoom, Customer Service, PowerPoint, social media, and will begin assisting participants in creating a resume, developing an elevator speech, and learning how to handle interview questions. Each participant is assigned a financial coach and will be encouraged to meet with him/her for 18-24 months to take control of personal finance. Due to Covid-19, the course is fully remote and conducted via Zoom. Thanks to LISC Boston, Citizens, and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust for funding for this project.
We plan to begin a second cohort in early May. Contact Sharon.Tulchinsky@boston.gov if interested in applying.