Students at the House Power Up Their Lives With New Tech Skills

When Martina found herself at home recovering from cancer, unemployed and uncertain about the future, she needed more than a distraction—she needed a way to reclaim control. That’s when she discovered Association House of Chicago’s technology programs, made possible through the generous support of Google Fiber.

Tech classes kept Martina on trend as she prepared to re-enter the workforce.

“I was just trying to find other things to do and keep myself busy,” she recalls. Enrolling in AI Essentials gave her both structure and purpose. “Once I started to do it on my own, I was in control of my own time, and how fast I wanted to do things.”

After quickly receiving her AI certification, Martina went on to earn her Excel Associate certification, pursue project management training, and prepare to step back into the workforce with renewed confidence.

Martina’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when opportunity meets access. For Palak, a new mother looking to return to her tech career, the same courses provided a bridge back into opportunity. “I wanted to brush up my skills after my baby was born, and these classes gave me the confidence to step back into the tech field,” she says.

Palak received her LearnKey Microsoft Office course certification with help from instructor Casey Moulton.

From Digital Skills for Life to AI Essentials and Microsoft Office certification, Palak sharpened her technical abilities while reclaiming her professional confidence.

“The Intermediate Excel class made the biggest difference for me—I recommend it to everyone who wants to learn data skills. The teaching and support here are amazing,” she adds, highlighting instructors like Casey Moulton, who guided her every step of the way.

For Alex, technology training was about more than career advancement—it was a tool to help others. After years of working as a teacher, and noticing that parents often needed support too, he was inspired to enroll in Association House's Financial Careers Training course, which connected him with AI Essentials.

“These classes felt like an opportunity to help people in ways I hadn't considered before,” he explains. "Puzzling through complicated financial decisions can be a lot, and with the AI skills I learned here, I can help people consider all their options and increase their financial literacy."

His advice to new learners captures the spirit of Association House: “You have to have the mindset that you are going to succeed… and it’s perfectly alright to open yourself up to things you didn't know before."

The journeys of Martina, Palak, and Alex illustrate the transformative power of accessible technology education: confidence restored, opportunities expanded, and futures reimagined.

Another tech class at the House-- Senior Planet-- provides computer confidence skills for adults over 60.

Thanks to Google Fiber’s unwavering support, programs like Digital Skills for Life, Senior Planet, Microsoft Office Certification, and AI Essentials remain free to all, ensuring that every learner—no matter their circumstance—can step boldly into their digital future.

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Learn more about our tech programs and join our next cohort at associationhouse.org/tech-ready.