Welcome to the eDECO website, the site devoted to the Digital Enrichment Cooperative (DECO) program.

DECO is a venture started by 3Soft USA , a computer training company in Annandale , Virginia . DECO is devoted to bringing technology to underpriviliged job seekers in Northern Virginia . It seeks to close the "Digital Divide", namely the gap between those who are comfortable using computers and those who need to be introduced to their usage. The sooner this gap can be closed, the more effective our economy and society will be.

For our small part in this effort, 3Soft USA , on Saturday, March 18, 2006, was awarded the presitigious Fairfax County Business Partnership award, one of only three companies to receive the award.

DECO hopes to help job seekers that enter the Fairfax County Skillsource and City of Alexandria Joblink centers, most of them immigrants and minorities, to effectively access the core services of those facilities. These are, namely, help with resume creation and job search. To access these core services, basic knowledge of how to use a computer is often needed. For example, knowledge of Microsoft Word helps the job seeker to create their own resume. Also, often the only way to apply for a job is over the internet, another skillset taught in DECO classrooms.

DECO takes the form of a 3 week, 6 session course. The first day, the instructor takes the class through the very basic usage of the computer, including how to turn on a computer, use the mouse, and save and move files. The second day in week 1 is devoted to usage of the internet, including how to find and apply for a job online, and how to use email, critical in communicating with prospective employers. The last two weeks are devoted to basic instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Students of DECO often find themselves amazed and empowered by the end of the course - amazed that this device that so terrified them at the beginning of the clourse is now usable, and empowered to go out and find a job in this digital age. They begin to use "Forward Thinking", the ability to imagine themselves in a career with true potential for growth and advancement in life.

Please take the time to look around this website and learn more about DECO. If you are interested in joining a class, go to the " Student Center " link and find out where a class is being held in your area. Call the Skillsource or Joblink Center closest to you and talk to the helpful and friendly staff to be put on the list for the very next session. You will receive a call reminding you of the start of the session a few business days before the first class starts.

Thank you, and good luck!"

-Daniel S. Goldberg

DECO Instructor

May 17, 2006