News Release: 8/30/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Goodwill of Orange County Partners with Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education to Offer Free Digital Literacy Classes to Its Team and Larger O.C. Community

Santa Ana, CA - August 28, 2024 – Goodwill of Orange County is proud to announce a new partnership with Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education to provide free digital literacy classes at its corporate campus in Santa Ana. These classes are open to all Goodwill OC team members and the public, providing an opportunity for everyone to develop the essential 21^st century skills necessary for today's top jobs.

The digital literacy program includes four classes designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world confidently. From basic computer skills to advanced software applications, the curriculum provides hands-on learning to meet the needs of a diverse community with varying starting points. This partnership with Santa Ana College brings these accredited digital courses directly to Goodwill OC, broadening access to and the reach of this important curriculum within the community.

Elizabeth Toumajian, Goodwill OC program instructor and teacher of these courses, emphasizes the significance of these classes, "In an era where technology is integral to every aspect of our lives, being digitally literate is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. These classes are a stepping stone for many to enhance their careers, pursue further education, and fully participate in our digital society."

“The digital literacy curriculum was developed in 2018 in response to the growing need for using technology responsibly, safely, and respectfully,” said Dr. Osiel Madrigal, Career Education Department Chair for Santa Ana College. “The pandemic further emphasized the importance of these skills as digital literacy became essential for navigating today’s world. Partnerships, such as our collaboration with Goodwill of OC, are instrumental in helping us reach underrepresented groups and empowering them to become digital citizens.”

The Goodwill OC x SAC partnership was created in response to a growing need of digital literacy skills within Goodwill OC’s workforce. Through its Career Pathways Program, Goodwill OC Career Navigators offer comprehensive, individualized career guidance, planning and support tailored to each participant’s unique goals, abilities, and needs. It was within this context that the digital skill gaps became evident. Goodwill OC helps team members ready to enroll make space within their work schedules to attend the courses, and pays them while they go.

Goodwill OC is committed to providing resources and opportunities that support personal and professional growth and open doors for everyone in the community to have meaningful careers. This collaboration with Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education is a testament to that commitment, offering a valuable resource to its own workforce and the community at no cost.

Looking ahead, the partnership anticipates the introduction of additional classes offered at Goodwill OC, including courses such as Workplace Readiness and more.

Registration is now open for the fall semester. For more information and to enroll, visit: sac.edu/diglit.

About Goodwill of Orange County
Goodwill of Orange County helps people achieve their goals through a journey of personal support, work experience and career development. Celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2024, Goodwill has connected hundreds of thousands of individuals to opportunity through quality training and education programs, supportive employment services for people with developmental and physical disabilities, on-site job coaching, community integration programs, veteran employment services, and more. As a nonprofit employment social enterprise, Goodwill operates a collection of 24 retail venues throughout Orange County, including five OC Goodwill Boutiques and its e-commerce platform ShopGoodwill.com, to support these transformative programs and services. To learn more about Goodwill of Orange County, visit ocgoodwill.org.