Taking a Targeted Approach to Program Planning

Asuccessful Neighborhood Networks center is 

a direct reflection of the community it serves. 

Therefore, the programs and services offered 

at a Neighborhood Networks center must be customized to meet its residents’ needs. Because of this, no 

two Neighborhood Networks centers are the same. 

Program Planning Begins with Residents

Just as each community is different, so too is each 

Neighborhood Networks center. To offer tailored programs and services that meet the needs of residents, 

many centers begin the program planning phase by 

conducting a resident survey. These surveys seek 

to identify resident needs, program and schedule 

priorities, spatial and equipment needs, and available 

resources. With this information in hand, a center 

can deliver programs customized for its residents.

At Centers Across the Country

Neighborhood Networks centers across the country 

offer a variety of programs, including:

Workforce development. Providing classes and 

training that allow residents to achieve greater 

self-sufficiency is the primary goal of many 

Neighborhood Networks centers. To achieve this 

goal, many centers offer an array of workforce 

development programs to help residents identify 

their vocational skills, interests, and aptitudes; 

seek to understand and respond to changes in the 

world of work; set personal goals for achievement 

and progress; make decisions that allow them to 

pursue these goals; and take part in opportunities 

for professional growth and advancement. 

Workforce development programs and services 

being offered at Neighborhood Networks centers 

include:

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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development • Office of Multifamily Housing Programs 

Delivering Technology Access to America’s Communities

Job-preparation programs designed to provide 

residents with basic job skills, such as computer 

literacy, keyboarding, word processing, graphics 

applications, spreadsheets, and databases.

Job-readiness programs that prepare residents 

for job interviews and professional settings. 

These include basic résumé writing and 

interviewing skills, proper workplace attire and 

behavior, time management, conflict resolution, 

problem solving, and communication skills 

classes. 

Job-placement services that help residents 

find and obtain a job and provide references 

for residents who have acquired workforce 

skills at the center. Centers can also provide 

employment search and placement services. 

Job-retention programs that help residents 

overcome the barriers that prevent them from 

retaining employment. Job-retention programs 

may include one-on-one counseling, support 

groups, childcare services, transportation 

assistance, and career planning.

Adult education. Many centers provide 

opportunities for adults who are interested in 

furthering their education or enhancing their basic 

skills. Adult education often includes: General 

Educational Development (GED) classes; English 

as a Second Language (ESL) courses; adult basic 

education classes; and basic computer classes that 

introduce users to the keyboard, mouse, and basic 

applications that prepare them for more advanced 

computer training.

Computer training and public access.

Delivering technology access is a key component 

of Neighborhood Networks. To help people who 

are experiencing computer access for the first time 

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Neighborhood Networks • 451 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20410

Neighborhood Networks Information Center: (888) 312–2743 • TTY: (800) 877–8339 

Web site: www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org

E-mail: neighborhoodnetworks@hud.gov

achieve a degree of comfort, many centers offer 

some instruction aimed at equipping participants 

with basic computer skills. Computer training may 

include one-on-one training, regularly scheduled 

classes, or a combination of the two methods. 

Computer classes range from basic (i.e., computer 

literacy and keyboarding, etc.), to intermediate 

(i.e., word processing, e-mail, Internet, etc.), to 

advanced skill development classes that include 

graphics applications, spreadsheets, and databases. 

Many centers also offer public access and/or open 

lab time to provide members of the community 

with the opportunity to use technology to explore 

their own interests, develop new skills, and 

become familiar with computers. 

Afterschool programs. Many Neighborhood 

Networks centers offer afterschool programs 

structured according to the age groups of young 

residents. Afterschool activities may include: 

Homework assistance, tutoring, mentoring, and 

other activities that offer academic enrichment. 

Internet access to improve computer skills, 

conduct research to complete homework 

assignments, and communicate with peers via 

e-mail.

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Multimedia publishing, such as designing 

personal Web pages, constructing family or 

neighborhood profiles, and creating project 

reports for school.

Outlets for creative expression, such as 

composing music, creating digital art, and 

producing digital stories.

Computer games that encourage children and 

young adults to learn more about technology.

Senior services. Classes and activities of interest 

to seniors might include computer literacy, 

Internet access, financial planning, small business 

development, outreach to family and friends, 

youth mentoring, research, and obtaining health 

information.

Microenterprises. Many centers help residents 

establish their own microenterprise. With the 

support and resources of a center, residents have 

established a variety of businesses, including 

preparing and distributing specialty food items, 

printing services, and producing a variety of 

publications.

For More Information

For more information on Neighborhood Networks, 

visit the Neighborhood Networks Web site at

www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org, or call the 

Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free 

at (888) 312–2743. The hearing impaired may access 

the number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.

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July 2007