Partner Spotlight: Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in San Fernando, CA

Alma Nava and Xitlali Castro at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center share the charter school’s journey to digital inclusion

Interview conducted by Jessica Scadron, Vice President of Strategic Communications, EveryoneOn

Alma Nava and Xitlali Castro of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center.

How did Vaughn Next Century Learning Center get involved in digital equity?

Students were using computers at school in our computer labs before COVID. When the pandemic happened, we gave each student a Chromebook so they could do their lessons from home. We were one of the many schools who made sure kids had devices and hotspots. 

Vaughn’s IT department was available throughout the pandemic. We opened the Family and Community Center, as well as the school offices to those families who needed assistance with technology and getting online, including supporting parents so they could keep in touch with the school virtually and keep up with our updates. 

When we all returned to school in spring 2021 there were 600 (out of 2,800) students who needed extra support. We brought them back earlier than the other students to give them the attention they needed.

We have an openness in how we’re moving forward with the technology and opportunities for parents and students. We are very excited to have EveryoneOn on board this year to provide workshops for families which include how to use a device and write an email.

Digital skills training participants developing their online skills during a May 2023 course hosted by EveryoneOn and Vaughn Next Century Learning Center.

What is one thing you want people to know about the digital divide in your community that you see in your work?

It’s a big thing. The accessibility - the connection isn’t good, parents don’t have reception on their phones, they can't check email or don’t have service. 

Parents are disconnected from tech at home - they don’t know how to check their email - those who want to get involved don’t know how to, or are scared because they never learned how to use tech before and think it’s not for them. They usually rely on a family member to help them. 

But then their kids leave home and so they’ve been reaching out to us for help.

“For those parents who are over 40 years old, and not born in this country, they aren’t comfortable yet with their devices, and plus the language barrier makes learning tech scary for them. But, they know they have to learn because everything happens online: paying bills, making doctor appointments, getting discounts and accessing public benefits. ”

What prompted Vaughn to partner with EveryoneOn?

We heard about EveryoneOn’s comprehensive curriculum, your flexibility, and that the classes were free and open to the community. This is a huge help for our families.

Now we communicate with parents digitally because the pandemic changed a lot of things, including our school to home communication. We now have the opportunity to invite everyone through our ParentSquare app and encourage families to sign up for the classes. Their response was quick and all of our classes filled up. Parents said they were excited to learn and many brought their relatives as well. 

Digital skills training cohort in May 2023 hosted by EveryoneOn and Vaughn Next Century Learning Center.

Please share what makes the partnership with EveryoneOn work.

EveryoneOn tailors trainings and schedules to the needs of the community. Our EveryoneOn contact, Oscar Magaña, program manager in LA, has been amazing to work with, and the instructor, Ina, is very patient. 

EveryoneOn has trained 90 people so far! We are looking forward to continuing the partnership and training more families in 2024. 

What kind of change in the community have you seen?

Parents express relief at not having to rely on their children for tech assistance. They report feeling more confident in navigating online systems, feel more involved in their children’s education, and even using technology for job applications. There is a strong desire for continued learning, showing the community's hunger for more digital literacy education.

Digital skills training participants participating in a classroom discussion in May 2023.

Looking forward, are there any plans to expand or enhance digital equity initiatives at Vaughn?

The community is eager for more opportunities to enhance their digital skills. Feedback from participants has fueled interest in follow-up classes and intermediate-level training. 

“Individuals now feel more confident applying for jobs online, recognizing the importance of being tech-savvy in today’s job market. The newfound confidence extends beyond educational activities, influencing their overall engagement with technology and, consequently, their increased involvement in various aspects of their lives.”

Vaughn remains committed to continuing this vital work.