Free, local help to build digital skills — wherever you live.
Rural Spark-Ed brings free computer help right to your community. We bring the laptops, the internet, and a friendly, trained helper — we call them a Digital Navigator — to places you already go, like your local library, senior center, or food pantry.
You don’t need to own a computer. You don’t need any experience. Whether you have a GED, a high school diploma, or neither, you belong here — there’s no entrance test and no assumption about what you already know. Whether you’ve never used email or you just want help with one thing, everyone is welcome, no matter where you’re starting from.
What You’ll Learn
Our lessons follow Northstar Digital Literacy, the same skills standard used by libraries and workforce programs across the country — so what you learn here is real, recognized, and useful anywhere. Go at your own pace, and pick up wherever makes sense for you.
Getting Comfortable with a Computer
Using a mouse and keyboard, finding your way around the screen, and using tablets and smartphones — start wherever you are.
Email & Getting Online Safely
Set up an email account, browse the internet with confidence, and learn to spot scams before they cause trouble.
Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint
Write a letter or résumé in Word, keep a simple budget in Excel, and put together a presentation in PowerPoint.
Job Search & Career Skills
Build a résumé, fill out job applications online, and get ready for interviews.
Everyday Life Online
Telehealth appointments, online banking, applying for benefits, and school or government websites.
Northstar Digital Literacy Certification
Our curriculum is built on the Northstar Digital Literacy standards, and learners can earn certificates that show real, portable skills.
What You Get
A Computer Lab That Comes to You
We drive laptops and internet right to your town. Just show up — you don’t need a computer of your own.
One-on-One Help
A friendly Digital Navigator sits down with you and helps at your own pace. No rush, no judgment.
Skills You Can Use Right Away
Email, job applications, telehealth visits, online forms, and staying safe online — real help for real life.
Where We Serve
Rural Spark-Ed covers seven counties, grouped into three zones. Our Digital Navigators travel all over each zone on a rotating schedule — not just to one city. If you live anywhere in these counties, in a big town or a small one, we can reach you.
GLOW Zone
Genesee • Livingston • Orleans • Wyoming Counties
Our Navigators are based out of Batavia, Warsaw, and Mt. Morris, but they travel to towns all across these four counties. Your town doesn’t need to be one of those three to be covered.
Allegany–Cattaraugus Zone
Allegany • Cattaraugus Counties
Our Navigators are based out of Belmont and Olean, but they travel throughout both counties.
Chautauqua Zone
Chautauqua County
Served together with our partner, Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County, based in Fredonia — covering the whole county.
Don’t see your exact town listed anywhere? That’s okay — if you live in one of these seven counties, you’re covered. Check your zone’s calendar to find the next stop near you.