NEWMAN – Free computer classes are being offered in Newman beginning Sept. 9.

From basic introduction to advanced skills, the variety of classes offer residents the opportunity to expand their computer knowledge and build the skills needed for home and the workplace.

Stephanie Ocasio, the city’s planning assistant, has been working on bringing the program to Newman for many months.

The city joined Stanislaus County’s Targeted Technology Training project (T3), which provides computer classes instructed by staff at  Modesto-based Computer Tutor. “These classes normally cost approximately $200 each,” Osacio pointed out. “This is a great opportunity for people to take the classes free of charge and locally.”

The city has set aside $10,000 in community block grant funds to provide the program.

“I am excited to be bringing this program to our town,” Osacio commented.

The T3 program is open to all residents with an interest in learning or improving computer skills.  

Residents have a variety of classes to choose from ranging from basics to more advanced.

The class entitled “What’s in the Box?” covers areas such as computer terminology, how to turn on and off the computer and how to use the mouse, among other basics.

“Looking into Windows” teaches students how to move about the computer, organize folders, and to delete information, while “Internet Basics” offers lessons on how to explore the Internet and send and retrieve email.

Classes are also offered for Excel, PowerPoint, Word Processing, Web Design, and Troubleshooting.

Each class is four hours and is offered more than once throughout the six-month calendar giving students many opportunities to attend. “When developing the class schedule, my biggest goal was arranging many windows of availability to fit different schedules,” Osacio explained.  Classes are offered in morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Each class is repeated at the different time slots and some are also offered in Spanish.

Classes will be held at the newly-opened McConnell Adult Education Center located on the Von Renner campus on Patchett Drive.

Sept. classes are as follows:

Sept. 9, What’s in the Box?, 8 a.m. to noon

Sept. 10, What’s in the Box?, 5 to 9 p.m.

Sept. 11, Looking into Windows, 8 a.m. to noon

Sept. 23, Word Processing Basics, 8 a.m. to noon

Sept. 24, Looking into Windows, 5 to 9 p.m.

Sept. 25, Internet Basics, 8 a.m. to noon

A complete schedule for the six month calendar and descriptions of the classes can be found on the city’s website at www.cityofnewman.com.

Space is limited to 16 students each class. Prior registration is advised but walk-ins are welcome if space is available.

For more information about the classes or to register call 545-8393 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.