MTRnet serves adults and out-of-school youth in targeted Montana rural communities, where high levels of poverty, low wages and significant underemploymnet are compounded by a lack in the community resources that assist people in moving from poverty to economic interdependence; and migrant youth, ages 14-20, who temporarily work and live in Montana's rural commmunities during summer months. Because many rural communities are faced with declinging population, reduced tax funding and limited community resources, disadvantaged residents do not have access to the technology, training and support that helps people obtain better employment and create new economic opportunities. The goal of the MTRnet project is to increase and enhance access to technology resources for underserved adults and out-of-school youth in targeted rural Montana communities.

Rural Employment and Opportunities (REO) provides job training, assistance and educational services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. MTRnet workshops are provided as part of our outreach; however pre-qualification for REO services is not required to participate in computer training. If you have done seasonal agricultural work or moved in the past three years to find agricultural work, please ask our staff members about additional services that may be available. MTRnet is a project of REO, with support from the Beaumont Foundation of America, the Montana Migrant Education Program and the Montana Faith-Health Demonstration Project.

Basic Computing

This workshop if for people who have little or no computer experience. The purpose of the course is to give participants the skills they need to begin working on the computer. Those who attend will learn to turn on the computer, open programs, save information, print and find help for common tasks.

Word Processing

This workshop is for people who have some computer experience and wish to learn more about word processing and inserting pictures and graphs into documents. Participants will use Microsoft Word XP.

Introduction to Digital Pictures

This workshop is for people who have little or no computer experience. The purpose of the class is to learn to use a digital camera to take pictures for home or office use. Participants will take, save, delete, print, e-mail and modify digital pictures.

Introduction to the Internet

This workshop is for people who have little or no computer experience. The purpose of this class is to learn to navigate the Internet and find and use its resources. Participants will use search engines, learn about online shopping and selling, and locate resources that are important for rural communities.

E-mail Essentials

This workshop is for people who have little or no computer experience. The purpose of the class is to create an online e-mail account and learn to send and receive messages. Participants do not need their own address prior to the class, but it would be helpful to bring the address of a person to whom they wish to send a message.