CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A computer class is giving students a second chance at finding a job in Mecklenburg County, but the classroom is in an unlikely setting.

  • The U.S. Department of Education reports about 16 percent of American adults are not digitally literate
  • They tend to be African American or Latino older men, and it makes it harder for them to join the workforce
  • The program is a partnership between Digital Charlotte, QueensUniversity and Charlotte Works

“For me to search for jobs, check my banking. Also to look up the different classes that I want to take up,” Mardre’kez McClure saID.

He’s a resident at the Mecklenburg County Jail, where a digital literacy program is restoring hope.

His class instructors break down internet basics for men in the 40s and 50s. McClure is learning how to post a resume.

The U.S. Department of Education reports about 16 percent of American adults are not digitally literate. They tend to be African American or Latino older men, and it makes it harder for them to join the workforce.

The program is a partnership between Digital Charlotte, QueensUniversity and Charlotte Works. 

The digital literacy course, once completed, will earn McCclure his first computer.