IT Resources

Affordable Internet

People need high-speed Internet at home to utilize ICT effectively. Some residents have trouble paying for Internet. The federal government and Internet service providers have programs to help eligible residents acquire low-cost Internet service.

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their bill. You can use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. Find Lifeline providers by New Orleans zip code.

Likewise, Internet service providers (ISPs) also offer low-cost Internet for eligible households.

Basic Digital Skills Education

The Introduction to Computers and the Internet course introduces the following topics: 

  • Computers and related equipment
  • Using Internet to access online local government and cultural resources
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Office and Google Suite productivity tools
  • Email, online research, and online safety

It is available to STRIVE alumni and City employees at City Hall, New Orleans Aviation Board employees at MSY Airport, and the public at selected faith-based institutions. Here are some tutorials.

Business Software Application Training

The City is excited to provide virtual training sessions to all employees on popular Microsoft Office programs, including:

  • Excel
  • Outlook
  • PowerPoint
  • Word

Each program will have three classes walking through core features, functions, and best practices using an interactive format. All city employees - full-time, part-time, classified, and unclassified - are welcome to register and build key workplace software skills.

This is a great professional development opportunity right at your fingertips. Just email training@nola.gov with any questions. We hope to see you in the upcoming Office training series!

Technology Workforce Development

Take this career assessment to learn if an IT career may be right for you. Via workforce and community development activities overseen by the New Orleans Business Alliance, residents can access training for information technology (IT) careers in cyber security and Cisco networking. Many organizations offer training and other resources for technology careers. 

  • Adults
    • Operation Spark - introduces young adults to software development and programming skills via work on small projects
  • Youth
    • Best Buy Teen Tech Center – is an interest-based learning environment for teens to experiment and master various new technologies with help from their peers and adult mentors
    • STEM NOLA - exposes youth to opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
    • NOLA CODE - introduce children to computer programming, development, electronics to make technology accessible
    • Anna’s Place - offer STEM Learning opportunities through visits to Loyola Biology Department laboratories, computer coding with NOLA Code, and the Microsoft Store
  • Youth and Adults
    • NOVAC - offer programs in video and film making for people aged 8 to 24 via career and technical education and internshipsfor high school students and summer camps and after school programs for younger students

Device Donation Program

Accept used computers from the public and/or large organizations. They destroy data on all devices received. Then, they refurbish salvageable computers to sell cheaply or give to low-income people. They take apart the remaining computers and sell the parts to generate income to support program operations. Many programs hire people with barriers to employment. These include people returning from prison and people with disabilities. Such programs offer many benefits. 

  • By destroying data, they reduce the risk of data breaches.
  • Via refurbishment and recycling, they divert electronic waste from landfills.
  • They help low-income people acquire computers.
  • With thoughtful hiring practices, they introduce residents to higher-skilled, better-paying jobs.

The City is investigating ways to partner with recycling programs to help New Orleanians get low-cost devices and job training. Learn more about recycling electronics and other household items.