A local non profit agency is working to help bridge a digital divide with programs to help increase digital inclusion. 

With inflation and supply chain issues happening nationwide, the cost of a computer and monthly internet charges often take a back seat to buying food and paying utility bills.

But the Oak Hill Collaborative is working on ways to overcome these obstacles.

The Oak Hill Collaborative says for families and people without a computer the world can leave them behind when filing taxes or visiting on line with their grandchildren and many other ways.

Executive Director Patrick Kerrigan said, “Job applicants, educating kids in school, government benefit, telemedicine, so you can work on with your doctor, especially during these times if you don’t want to go out.”

To increase digital inclusion the Oak Hill Collaborative is offering a laptop that is refurbished for $99.00 computer courtesy of Green Board a company in Warren. 

“These computers come with eight gigabytes of RAM, Microsoft Windows, a full office suite, they are fully loaded. There is nothing shortchanged about them. Plus we give free computer education with it as well,” added Kerrigan. 

If your income is low the nonprofit also has people ready to fill out paperwork to sign up for government programs that gives eligible people up to $30.00 a month off their internet service.

“It doesn’t have to be a family, if you have a household that makes up to $56,000 a year you can get up to $30.00 off your internet. Any  plan, any carrier,” emphasized Kerrigan.

Right now there are 19 laptop’s available on a first request first serve basis. The program is in it’s infancy and  more computers are expected in this new program.

If your interested in a computer, the free computer classes, applying for money off your monthly internet bill, or if you have a computer that can be refurbished,

contact the Oak Hill  Collaborative in Youngstown, Ohio.