Community Service Programs of West Alabama launches 2024 Digital Skills Challenge

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Candace Johnson

Want to practice your digital skills and play bingo at the same time? Community Service Programs of West Alabama has announced its 2024 Digital Skills Challenge: Digital Bingo.

Challenge participants will play by completing a bingo card of digital skills activities. The first 200 participants with the most squares completed on their bingo card will receive a laptop.

This event is open to the community, and participants can collect a bingo card by attending an orientation/registration pre-assessment session.

“We are excited about this opportunity to connect residents with a digital navigator who can assist community members with internet skills and the use of computers and devices,” said CSP Director of Housing Programs Antwon Prince-Sealy. “We are committed to demystifying technology by providing one-on-one, ongoing assistance to connect residents with affordable internet, devices, technical skills, and application support associated with education, workforce development, telehealth, financial capabilities and housing support/supportive services.”

While the challenge is open to the public, it is geared toward residents 50 or older. This is an opportunity for those to become more familiar and stay up-to-date on all of the latest technology.

There will be 24 digital skills activities for participants, and the curriculum aligns with the Northstar Digital Literacy program.

“It’s online based, so we partner with public libraries in our county to be able to have a location where residents can come in and receive the hands-on support, to be able to get tied to the curriculum and hopefully work through the curriculum,” said Prince-Sealy.

There will be initial pre-assessments on areas regarding basic computer fields.

“We’re focused on that area, distinguishing between different types of devices that establish their computers, identify specific computer hardware, logging in, shutting down, demonstrate knowledge of keys on keyboard, just as an example, type of basic computer keys,” said Prince-Sealy.

Internet basics such as knowledge of browsers, website structures, and more will also be covered. The activities will be listed on the bingo card.

Participants are able to pick an activity that interests them and learn about it. A digital navigator, along with library staff will be there to assist.

Once an assessment is completed, the digital navigator will be able to stamp a square on the bingo card.

To register for a session, participants may call 205-469-0397. At this session, contestants will learn about the rules and and  additional information.

This opportunity is available to residents of Dallas, Greene, Hale and Sumter counties. In 2025, the Digital Bingo Challenge will expand to Bibb, Choctaw, Fayette, Lamar, Perry and Tuscaloosa counties.