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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you choose to locate computer centers in fire departments?

Across West Virginia, volunteer fire departments and rescue squads also serve as community centers. People gather here for many events, from Bingo and Christmas parties to CPR training. Through this project, fire departments will offer a new service to communities--computer skills training and broadband access. In addition, firefighters and responders will use the computer centers for their own training and electronic reporting needs.

The more than 400 fire departments across West Virginia have significant volunteer capacity. They will provide active peer-to-peer support to teach their neighbors about broadband.

How much will this cost me?

Usage of the computer center is free to the public.

What classes can I take here?

Each computer center offers a range of classes, both for the beginner and more advanced computer user. A local computer mentor will offer classes for beginners. More advanced computer skills classes will be offered by Mission WV. Additional classes include (but are not limited to):

  • Online mapping course, offered by computer mentors trained by the Monongahela National Forest
  • Health and well-being, with a course on chronic disease self-management connected to an online support group and a course for youth on substance abuse prevention, both offered by the West Virginia Partnership of African American Churches
  • Disaster resilience for communities, offered by the John Hopkins Public Health Preparedness Programs
  • E-commerce Academy offered by Mission WV
  • Keytrain Career Readiness, offered in partnership with Adult Basic Education and in collaboration with the state's Workforce Investment Boards
  • Computer software training, job and career accelerator, student support, and more offered by the West Virginia Library Commission

I have computer skills or a training program that I would like to share with my community. Whom do I contact?

Please contact Program Coordinator Traci Mallow, at tmallow@future.edu, Program Officer Ginger Wimer, at gwimer@future.edu, or Program Officer Nicole Marsh, at nmarsh@future.edu.

I would like to take a class in a topic not listed, whom do I contact?

Please contact Program Coordinator Traci Mallow, at tmallow@future.edu, Program Officer Ginger Wimer, at gwimer@future.edu, or Program Officer Nicole Marsh, at nmarsh@future.edu. Let them know which computer center you are using and what type of class you would like added to the schedule.

Can I get my GED here?

We are working to develop partnerships with local RESAs and Adult Basic Education. Our computer centers offer online classes for GED preparation including practice exams, prep courses, and guides.

I am not interested in taking a class; can I use the computer center to check my e-mail/facebook/myspace?

Yes. The computer centers provide free broadband access to users for their personal use, except during pre-scheduled classes. All users must first sign up for an account and sign a usage agreement.

How do I know when the computer center in my area will be open?

To find a computer center near you, open the Computer Centers link on this website. Local computer mentors update these pages with hours of operation, learning opportunities, and other news. 

There isn’t a computer center in my area; will we be getting one?

In 2010, this project partners with 30 fire departments. In 2011, 20 more fire departments will be invited to participate. In 2012, 10 more fire departments will join the project. If you would like to suggest a location or find out if a computer center will be coming to your local fire department, contact Program Coordinator Traci Mallow, at tmallow@future.edu, Program Officer Ginger Wimer, at gwimer@future.edu, or Program Officer Nicole Marsh, at nmarsh@future.edu.