MCC Opens Free Public Computer Centers

MCC has opened four new public computer centers (PCCs) and will open two more at the end of August. The PCCs, which will be free and open to the public, will give under-resourced residents access to computers for training to help them in the job market and in their personal lives.

“The PCCs will function as one-stop technology centers for launching new opportunities, new careers and personal enrichment, with a specific focus on the unemployed and underemployed populations,” said Rich Prather, PCC director.

The PCCs will be located on each of MCC’s five campuses and at the Pioneer location, a satellite extension of the Penn Valley campus.

The establishment of the PCCs is part of a state-wide Pathways to Broadband Access and Technology Education at Missouri’s Community Colleges project facilitated by the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Funding is provided by
 a federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Users will be required to register during their first visit to a PCC but there is no fee to use the computers. A lab specialist will be available during operating hours to assist users. In addition to open lab time, the PCCs will offer free computer training in seven core areas: computer basics, Internet and email, computer security and privacy, social media, basic software, digital devices and job searching.

Four of the public computer centers—at Longview, Maple Woods, Penn Valley and Pioneer—each had a soft opening on July 18 and are now available for public use. After the remaining two centers—at Blue River and Business & Technology—open in late August, MCC will host a grand opening for all six centers.

Find additional information about the PCCs at freepcc.mcckc.edu or call 816.604.5000.