Chippewa Valley Roadmap to Technology Resources

In the Chippewa Valley, we are surrounded by many organizations, businesses, and educational institutions that offer training opportunities for both new and experienced computer users. In addition, some of our cell phone providers, tele-communications providers, and retailers offer learning opportunities that also support your needs as a broadband user. As the “people’s university,” the UW-Extension is a source for educational outreach to help communities in the Chippewa Valley understand how to leverage expanded technology today and into the future.

The links below provide learning and resource opportunities currently available in the Chippewa Valley.  If you are a business, individual, or non-profit agency that offers training or technology resources that will increase the knowledge and skills of broadband users in the Chippewa Valley and want to be added to this list, email the Chippewa Valley’s UW-Extension Outreach Coordinator and Broadband Educator with a link to your course offerings.

Indianhead Federated Library System

The Indianhead Federated Library System is the Chippewa Valley’s Building Community Capacity through Broadband (BCCB) grant recipient of 48 laptop computers creating five mobile labs for the IFLS’ 56 libraries and the UW-Extension to improve digital literacy through training and outreach activities. All libraries provide free high-speed internet access and computers for individual use. Contact your local library for more information. Check out the “Online Resources” on the IFLS homepage for a variety of online learning sites.

Chippewa County Public Libraries

Bloomer Library
Cadott Library
Chippewa Falls Public Library
Cornell Public Library
Stanly Public Library

Eau Claire County Public Libraries

Augusta Library
Altoona Public Library
Eau Claire Public Library
Fairchild Public Library
Fall Creek Public Library

Dunn County Public Libraries

Boyceville Library
Colfax Public Library
Menomonie Public Library
Sand Creek Public Library

Educational Institutions 

As a public facility, many of the k-12 school districts offer access to computers through technology trainings or adult community learning centers. The Chippewa Valley Technical College also offers free basic adult education programs. Check out the links below to learn about computer trainings offered by these schools.

Eau Claire Area School District
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College Business & Industry Training
UW-Eau Claire Educational Opportunity Center
Voyagers Community Learning Center (Chippewa Falls Area School District

Non-profit Organizations 

Serving their constituents with computer literacy in business development, skill training, and job search skills, these non-profit organizations in the Chippewa Valley are an avenue to learn both beginner and advanced skills in digital literacy. Check out their websites for current offerings.

Chippewa Valley Learning in Retirement
Literacy Volunteers of the Chippewa Valley
L.E. Phillips Senior Center (55+)
Senior Citizens Employment and Training (55+)
Senior Computing

Computer Sales and Refurbishing Centers

Many of the Chippewa Valley’s anchor institutions (hospitals, higher education institutions, and government agencies donate used computers with the intent that they can be refurbished and donated or resold at affordable rates. If you are in need of a computer for a non-profit agency or low-income family, contact the following businesses/agencies to see if they can assist:

NteTel or Corporate Communications

In the Chippewa Valley offers many products and services, from video conferencing to basic, used laptops and PCs for anyone in the community with a need. Visit them at:  www.invisibleinc.com/index.php

Senior Citizens Employment and Training Center

Has a refurbishing program and is always looking for used laptops and desktops to refurbish and distribute to seniors, non-profit organizations and others in need of computer systems.

Telecommunications Providers

www.wwt.net/technology-classes.php

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