Free Computer, AI and College-Essay Classes Are Coming to West Haven's Hub

Free Computer, AI and College-Essay Classes Are Coming to West Haven’s Hub

WEST HAVEN — Free classes in AI basics, everyday computer skills and college applications are coming to the West Haven Community Center, the new city center on Meloy Road that residents know as the Hub.

Mayor Dorinda Borer and state Sen. James Maroney announced the classes at a news conference at the Hub on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and the city posted the schedule today. The program is a partnership among the community center, the nonprofit CfAL for Digital Inclusion, Charter Oak State College and Comcast, with funding from the state Department of Economic and Community Development, according to the city’s announcement.

The schedule

AI Essentials certification: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Nov. 16 to 19. Participants can earn an AI Essentials credential from Google through the Connecticut AI Academy at Charter Oak.
Introduction to Computer Literacy: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. It covers basic computer use, office software and job searching, including writing a resume.
College Essay and Application workshop: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, for teens and young adults. It covers financial aid, online applications and essay writing, and is taught by a certified high school English teacher.

All classes are at the West Haven Community Center, 255 Meloy Road, and are free for city residents.

Flyer for the free AI Essentials class at the West Haven Community Center

A computer to take home

The city says participants who finish one of the courses and do not have a computer at home will get a refurbished computer sponsored by Comcast.

“From our adult residents learning about Google to our youth assistance with college essays to the classes that teach the basics of AI, we have it all,” Borer said in the announcement.

Maroney, D-Milford, who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Artificial Intelligence Caucus, said the Hub is “the center of this community. We’re not just connecting people to each other; we’re connecting people to resources.” State Rep. Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, also spoke.

“Intro to Computer Literacy is our most in-demand course,” said Richard Hull, CfAL’s lead curriculum and instruction specialist, according to the city.