The Adriance Memorial Library in Poughkeepsie employs two technology instructors who offer free classes to the public. Patrick Oehler, Poughkeepsie Journal

Ebony Miles can be found in the computer lab at Adriance Memorial Library on most mornings.

For the past several months, she has been to the library with her daughter, now five months old, to work on her resume and apply for jobs.

The City of Poughkeepsie resident does not have a computer at home, and didnt have one at home growing up.

I just remember using the computer at school, said Miles, who has been trying to find a job in housekeeping or retail.

I cant afford (a computer) right now, she said, as she is barely making it.

At 38 years old, Miles is learning to navigate the internet, with the help of those at the Poughkeepsie library system location. She plans next to take a class on the basics of creating and editing documents, in the hopes of someday becoming a receptionist.

Betty Cooper, one of the Adriance Memorial Library's technology instructors speaks with Jocelyn Johnson -Kearney following a computer class in the library's Marcotte computer lab in the City of Poughkeepsie on October 23, 2019. (Photo: Patrick Oehler, Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)

For many, a computer and access to the internet have become an indispensable aspect of daily life, the impact of which is often taken for granted.

And, with so much dependent upon it, not having a computer can put individuals at a disadvantage first through the lack of a critical educational resource, and then through the inability to connect to employers.

This has become known as the digital divide, and it can keep those in poverty from building for themselves a better life.

"In these times, a person is really thwartedin their path to success if they don't know how to use, or have access to, modern computer equipment," said Deborah Minnerly, atechnology instructor at Adriance Memorial Library. "One can't do much without the computer resources and skills;almost any job requires an online application even an unskilled one.Folks even need to print out their bus ticket to visit a relative."

Through computer classes and an open public computer lab,the Poughkeepsie library system is among the organizations hoping to bridge the gap. Other libraries in the area offer similar programs.

But, there are also new resources available in Dutchesscities: The Beacon and Poughkeepsie housing authorities last month gave out free tablets and offered discounted internet service to residents. The hope is that those in need of work can more easily connect to online resources that could assist them, and the younger residents of a household would have a hurdle removed from their ability to receive an equal education.

And, some school districts have instituted systems for providing at-need students with computers that can be taken home.

The number of those at-need may be more than you think. Nearly half of the households in the U.S.that earn $30,000 or less dont own a computer or have broadband services, according to a Pew Research survey conducted earlier this year. That includes those living in rural areas, such as parts of northern Dutchess, in which population is sparse and there are pockets without broadband internet.

Its unclear how many households in Dutchess are among those. However, according to a United Way study released last year using data from 2016, 9% of all households in the county were below the federal poverty line $11,800 a year for a single adult household and $24,300 for a family of four and 36% didnot earn enoughto support the basic cost of living, which the organization defined at $25,764 for a single adult or around $80,000 for a family of four.

Part of the sample budget created by the United Way in the study called the household survival budget allocated up to $75 a month for technology.

And, survival may not be a bad word to use in a conversation regarding the digital divide, experts say. Computer literacy basics ranging from knowing how to edit and email a document to juggling applications is necessary for students to reach, and thrive, in college or enter the workforce. Something as simple as having proper email etiquette when writing to a professor or potential employer may not come as naturally to someone who does not use a computer every day.

Betty Cooper, one of the Adriance Memorial Library's technology instructors speaks with Denise Austin of Amenia following a computer class in the library's Marcotte computer lab in the City of Poughkeepsie on October 23, 2019. (Photo: Patrick Oehler, Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)

"Access (to technology) is a critical tool, said John Bradley, executive director of Vassar College's Urban Education Initiative, a 16-year-old program in which the college assists Poughkeepsie City School District students through offering access to resources and collaboration with student volunteers.

It's going to be more critical the further a student goes, if you don't have the resources that other people have," Bradley said."When you get to college, you really have to be able to write and edit online, share documentswith team members.You have to be able to researchand validate information online.This isessential to pursuingan education."

Manyof the school districts within Dutchess are working towarda 1:1 student-to-computer ratio in their high schools, and some even middle schools, byassigning laptops or tablets to studentsto take home.

Spackenkill Union Free School District is one of several districts that assigns Chromebooksto all high school students that can be taken home. The district has included the cost of the Chromebooks into their budget for the past five years, Superintendent Mark Villanti said.Rhinebeck Central School District provides loaner laptops to students under identified hardship situations, said Superintendent Joe Phelan.

However, some school districts either cannot or havent been able to initiate such a program. Those include the districts with the countys largest student populations Arlington and Wappingers and districts that do not have the resources to support it.

Poughkeepsie is hoping to bridge the technology gap by applying for Sprints 1Million Project Foundation funding. The independent charitys goal, according to its site, is to help one million high school students who do not have access to the internet at home by providing devices and high-speed access. Last year, 83% of Poughkeepsies student population was considered economically disadvantaged by the state education department.

Poughkeepsie is also among the areas Title I schools, a school that has a high concentration of low-income students and receives supplemental funding. According to a survey last year released by Common Sense, a media and education advocacy group, teachers in Title I schools say 60% of their students do not have access to computers or the internet at home.

"The district is currently seeking opportunity to bridge the technology gap and address the challenges that many urban and rural families face related to internet connectivity," said Superintendent Eric Rosser, who added that the district plans to make "significant investments" to increase the use of technology in the classroom in the future.

For those living in northern Dutchess the concern isnt only not having a computer, but the lack of broadband service to access the internet. Without the internet at home, there isnt much a student can do with a computer, Millbrook Superintendent Philip D'Angelo noted. Teachers will sometime have to make accommodations for students who cannot access the internet at home due to inconsistent or no broadband service.

Forty-two percent of Title I teachers and 31% of non-Title I teachers do not assign homework that requires digital access outside of school, according to Common Senses survey.

When a teacher assigns something, and its internet-based, they will make special accommodations, such as giving additional time, changing the requirements, so the student isnt penalized, DAngelo said.

Monica Perez uses her tablet on October 8, 2019. Perez is part of a pilot program that provides residents in low income housing with internet enabled tablets to help them bridge the technology gap. She uses the tablet to read books & magazines from the library as well as connect with family & friends. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)

Dutchess One Stop, a career service site, sees a steady flow of individuals coming in to use their computers for job searches, said Kadiyah Lodge, the organization's business service manager.

"Nearly every type of job today deals with technology, from a cashier ringing up groceries to amechanic," Lodge said.Being comfortable using a computer is necessary for upward mobility, which is why the organization will sometimes refer their clients to the Poughkeepsielibrary and Dutchess Community College for basic training.

Lodge also pointed out the generational divide. Her organization is seeing more elderly individuals walk through their doors who are seeking employment. This population hasnot grown up with computers and might not be computer literate, she said.

Adriance Memorial Library opened up its computer center in 2010. It holds classes on computer basics, using technology such as iPad, Facebook and Microsoft Office. The staff is also on hand each day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to helpwith job searches, resume preparation and other needs.

Meanwhile, the Beacon and Poughkeepsie housing authorities are working to put technology into low-income households.

Noah R. Hargett, Beacon Housing Authority'sresident initiative coordinator, initiated a program thatoffers free tablets and discounted internet access to his residents, through a partnership with T-Mobile.The organizations gave out 30 tablets in the summer as part of a pilot program, and 150 tablets in October. The housing authority has another 150 on hand.

Residents are required to pay $10 per month for internet access.

The goal is that the people utilizing the tablets will gain a sense of ownership, Hargett said. He sees theT-Mobile program as a way for the seniors and families living in public housing to become more self-sufficient.

The tablets came with basic pre-loaded apps such as Google and YouTube, but the housing authority also included quick links to websites for the housing authority, Dutchess County Office of the Aging, City of Beacon and Cornell Cooperative Extension, which helps residents with nutrition and wellness.

Hargett said the housing authority is hoping to encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the technology through email communications and its own website.

"Further down the line we will encourage residents to utilize the tablet for workforce development, educational/training courses, and managing their day to day activities," Hargett said.

Monica Perez composes an email on her tablet on October 8, 2019. Perez is part of a pilot program that provides residents in low income housing with internet enabled tablets to help them bridge the technology gap. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)

He hopes the program will expand throughout the mid-Hudson region and is working with Poughkeepsie on their pilot program, which was started last month.

Poughkeepsies five-month pilot program was offered free of charge, according to a notice posted inside the housing authoritys office, which noted residents would have to return the devices at the end of the program. Representatives from the Poughkeepsie office did not respond to Journal inquiries.

This is a good opportunity for those residents who have no computer or access to the internet, the notice read. It will allow residents to access programs and services, remain in contact with friends and family, and enhance their daily lives.

Monica Perez, who lives in senior housing,took part in Beacons pilot program this past summer. Even thoughshe isn't looking for a job, having the tablet improves the quality of her life and allows her to do more, such as contributing to blogs and reaching out to friends.

My mind is like a 40-year-old mind, said the 61-year-old Beacon resident said. (The tablet) keeps my mind active, keeps me from stewing in my own problems.

Saba Ali: SAli1@poughkeepsiejournal.com,845-451-4518.

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