Ashbury Community Services

Ashbury Community Services, operating as Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC³), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 2002 by Wanda Davis, the organization emerged from a community-identified need for technology access and education, particularly among mature and older adults. Davis, a long-time community advocate with a background in business administration, was inspired after her mother encountered difficulties with technology during a hospital visit. This personal experience, coupled with community surveys, crystallized the vision for a local technology hub. The initial launch was funded through personal investment and a grassroots campaign that raised $3,300 from business peers to establish ten computer workstations.

The organization operates on a community-based business model, functioning as a human service organization that provides educational programs and resources to residents with limited income. Its primary clients are mature adults (45-64) and seniors (65+), but services have expanded to include younger adults and youth through intergenerational learning programs. Revenue is primarily sourced from grants from foundations like The Cleveland Foundation, city funding, and corporate partners such as AT&T and PNC Bank, supplemented by community fundraising initiatives. This funding structure allows ASC³ to offer many of its core services for free or at a low cost, ensuring accessibility for its target demographic.

ASC³ provides a comprehensive suite of services aimed at enhancing digital literacy and life skills. The core offering consists of structured computer classes at basic, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, covering Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet navigation. Beyond fundamental training, the curriculum includes specialized topics like financial and health literacy online. A key feature is the "Own Your Own PC" program, which has distributed over 3,000 refurbished computers to individuals, often upon completion of an eight-week course. To address connectivity barriers, ASC³ also assists families in obtaining low-cost internet service. The organization has established multiple satellite training centers to improve accessibility and runs a Digital Navigator hotline to provide one-on-one tech support over the phone. Through these programs, ASC³ has trained over 10,000 residents since its inception, demonstrating a significant and sustained impact on digital inclusion in the Greater Cleveland area.