A Paradise Township Christian nonprofit opened a digital learning lab Wednesday to offer community members use of 10 new laptops, internet access and monthly digital skills training.

The equipment in The Factory Ministries’ new lab, at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, was purchased by Kinber, a Lititz-based statewide digital access and opportunity nonprofit, and is the first participating site of several to be launched by the organization in coming months.

Additional hubs are slated to launch in 2026 at Redbank Valley Public Library, Clarion County; Tionesta Public Library, Forest County; Huntingdon County Library, Huntingdon County; and Green Free Library, Tioga County, according Kinber spokesperson Alexis LaPointe.

Kinber received 200 laptops, paired with keyboards, mice, headsets and a locking charging cabinet for the computers for the five labs through a COVID-19 pandemic relief fund grant, according to Annie Pettinaroli, Kinber’s manager of growth and marketing.

The nonprofit chose a Lancaster County location to host its first hub because Kinber is also based here and is “proud to be able to provide digital access and opportunity to our neighbors in need,” Pettinaroli said via email.

“The Digital Learning Lab at Factory Ministries will support an established organization serving county residents onsite every day,” Pettinaroli said. “The Digital Learning Lab will provide immediate digital access and skills training to individuals who need both.”

The Factory Ministries provides community resources including a food pantry, employee and managerial coaching and early learning programs to address issues of poverty for individuals and families of all ages.

The digital learning lab is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“In today’s world, access to the internet and digital devices isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity,” The Factory Ministries Executive Director Adam Nagle said in a news release Wednesday. “Whether it’s for education, finding a job, upskilling, or accessing healthcare services, being online can open doors to opportunities.”

Staff will be available to provide support to community members at the lab. The Factory Ministries will also offer monthly instructor-led and self-paced digital skills training from the digital learning lab.

Want the latest headlines sent to your inbox each evening? Sign up for our free daily P.M. newsletter here. 


'Pretend it's Christmas': Elizabethtown College STEM equipment lending program receives $30,000 grant


Manheim Central Spanish teacher is first Pa. resident named National Language Teacher of the Year [photos]

Source link