Odessa Community Knowledge Center open to public

With the assistance of a Big Bend Community College (BBCC) Title V grant and staff services from an organization called Washington Campus Compact, the Odessa Community Knowledge Center is now open to the public for basic computer literacy classes.

The purpose of these classes is not only to teach the basic tools needed for further education, but also to help bring equality to the community. Having the right tools can help anyone obtain a GED, associate’s degree or even bachelor’s degree.

Ed Lyles, Washington Campus Compact AmeriCorps/VISTA member, will provide assistance in the classes throughout the year and will work closely with BBCC outreach staff and the Odessa community to determine other helpful training sessions.

Currently, seven classes are planned over the next few months. Classes are free, and scheduled times have been arranged. For more details or to sign up and join a class, call 509-982-2903.

Classes include the following:

1. Getting started with computers: class explains how to turn on a computer and identify different parts and features.

2. Keyboarding: explains in detail the different parts of a keyboard, and when and how to use the different parts.

3. Introduction to the Internet: Explains in detail the Internet, how to log on, what it is used for, etc.

4. Introduction to email: explains in detail what email is used for, how to use it and the different options for using it as a means of communication.

5. Introduction to Microsoft Word: explains in detail how to use MSWord, the many different features and how to use these features to enhance writing ability.

6. Introduction to Microsoft Excel: explains what a spreadsheet is, identifies different features and when and how to use them.

7. Basic Word Processing with Open Office: explain the parts of this software and when and how to use it.

Lyles grew up on a ranch near Warden, where he also graduated form high school. After completing high school, he attended the University of Montana, graduating with a B.A. in sociology and criminology. He says he is pleased to be returning to the Columbia Basin and is equally eager to work with the partners and constituents at the Community Knowledge Center. He is excited to provide education awareness throughout the BBCC service district communities.

Washington Campus Compact (WACC) was formed in February 1992 by seven Washington higher education presidents. Kenneth P. Mortimer, then president of Western Washington University, assumed a leadership role by chairing the executive committee and hosting the state organization on his campus. The initial goals focused on providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to develop a civic ethic; developing a network of service-learning practitioners to share resources and expand strategies; and integrating service-learning into higher education curricula.

Today, Western remains the host campus for WACC, which now serves a growing membership of more than 30 Washington higher education presidents representing two-year public, four-year private, and four-year public institutions. As the field of community service and service-learning in higher education has expanded, so too has Washington Campus Compact. The current organizational vision and mission represent the priorities identified by its member presidents and service-learning practitioners in diverse communities throughout the state.

Campus Compact was founded in 1985 by the presidents of Brown, Georgetown and Stanford Universities and the president of the Education Commission of the States. In the mid-1980s, the media portrayed college students as materialistic and self-absorbed, more interested in making money than in helping their neighbors. The founding presidents believed this public image was false, noting the many students on their campuses who were involved in community service.