Oak Hill Collaborative Launches Digital Initiative

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — 2019 was a year of tremendous growth in capacity and potential at the Oak Hill Collaborative, says Executive Director Pat Kerrigan.

“We added several bright and productive members to our team and significantly expanded the services we provide to the community,” he begins.

“While we continue our efforts at neighborhood revitalization through community organization, beautification and remediation, small-business incubation, a community MakerSpace, and ex-offender re-entry, we are focusing more resources on our Digital Advantage Initiative. This initiative addresses all levels of computer and internet access, particularly for residents who lack basic computer skills, employment training, equipment and the broadband connections necessary in the modern digital world.”

In collaboration with Goodwill Industries, United Returning Citizens, Café Augustine, St. Patrick Parish and the Oak Hill Neighborhood Association, the collaborative offers a diverse range of free computer and internet-based classes.

“This year we expanded our 3D lab to include free use of seven printers. We created a 15-desk computer lab and a digital sound recording studio and are offering refurbished computer equipment to select nonprofits for free or at reduced prices,” Kerrigan says.

The collaborative is also looking to build on its new partnership with Goodwill Industries, he adds, to provide more job training and certifications.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.