Computer CORE

Finding a job in today's economy is hard enough.  Now imagine that you don't know how to use a computer.  Where would you work?  What kind of job could you get?  You couldn't even apply for a position at Walmart, because its applications are all online!

Computer CORE provides hope and opportunity to low-income adults in Northern Virginia by teaching basic computer skills and job readiness skills, including resume writing and interview protocol.  For our students, these new skills mean that they can get better jobs and create a better life for their families.  And by building the workforce, we're strengthening the community as well.

“I feel that my future has changed.  Now that I have training in computers, I can work anywhere.” –CORE graduate Mohamed

Our students spend six months learning keyboarding, file and folder management, and Microsoft Office.  They create resumes and participate in practice interviews so that when they complete the training cycle, they are ready to look for and land a job - or get promoted with their current employer.  And every student takes home a free refurbished computer to use for homework, job hunting, and staying connected to the community.

“It’s so satisfying not only to be able to use the computer on my own, but to be able to use it to help my children with homework.” –CORE graduate Alice

#CoreCareers

Help Computer CORE Close the Digital Divide—We Need You Today! Help us meet our $10,000 match!

Early giving has started! Special thanks to our matching sponsors the Mason Hirst Foundation and board members Marianne Alicona and Russ Hanser.

At Computer CORE, we see firsthand how digital skills change lives. Every day, adults across Northern Virginia turn to us for the training and technology they need to build brighter futures. But today, we need your help.

Our classes are free. The refurbished laptops we provide to students are free. But making this work possible? That depends on YOU.

We have set our initial Spring2ACTion goal at $30,000 allowing us to continue providing essential digital skills training and devices to those who need them most.

Here’s what your generosity makes possible:
💻 1,000 adults trained per year – a 5X increase from just a few years ago
🖥️ 1,000 refurbished computers distributed annually – giving students the tools they need to succeed
📞 7,600+ HelpDesk requests answered – ensuring students stay connected and supported

CORE is the only nonprofit in Virginia solely dedicated to providing free, online digital skills training for adults—and we make every dollar count. Our team of just 4.5 full-time staff (including three former students!) works alongside 65+ dedicated volunteers to teach classes and refurbish computers.

But we can’t do it without YOU.

Every dollar makes an impact:

🐁$10 provides one mouse to get a student started

⌨️$25 provides one keyboard to help a student build digital literacy (and practice typing!)

💻 $250 helps refurbish and distribute a laptop or desktop computer to a student in need
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$500 = 2 free computers opening doors to opportunity

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$1,000 = 4 free computers helping students gain skills and confidence

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$5,000 = 20 computers changing lives across our community

Give today and help us reach our $30,000 goal! Together, we can ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

Thank you for believing in the power of digital equity!

Who We Are

Computer CORE (Community OutReach and Education) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Since 1999, Computer CORE has prepared under-served adults to realize career aspirations with foundational computer and professional skills.

Computer CORE has graduated over 4,500 students from 98 countries of origin since 1999. CORE provides digital literacy training to over 500 students per year.

Upon completion, CORE students are proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Word, Excel and PowerPoint and Google Workspace, have learned how to build their resume, write effective cover letters, and have completed mock virtual interviews.

Every year, CORE operates on a lean budget driven by donations and competitive grants. Results are achieved by a small team of full-time staff and a large group of dedicated volunteers. Our growing CORE internship program helps get the work done and provide work experience to our students!