Google Fiber, which is the process of building an ultra high-speed Internet network in the Triangle, is teaming with the Triangle Literacy Council and the Kramden Institute, which repairs and donates used PCs, to launch a mobile computing lab.

Google Fiber also will fund a fellowship to pay benefits and salary as part of a “digital inclusion” effort to help more people utilize the Internet.

“At the Triangle Literacy Council, we offer literacy programs and classes throughout the community. Our Digital Inclusion Fellow will help us reach more people and give them the skills they need to navigate the Internet and use technology to improve their lives. Increased digital literacy will help open new avenues of success for our clients across the community,” said Laura Walters, CEO. of the Triangle Literacy Council, in a statement.

The council said the fellowship program will help “implement a mobile computer lab program, which will bring computer classes to libraries, jails, community centers, schools and more in the Triangle. The fellow will help increase digital literacy in the community by developing a program that teaches people how to effectively access the internet, send emails to friends and family, find useful information online, and set up and manage online finances.”

Some 16 fellows will be hired across eight different Google Fiber service areas with the company committing $1 million to pay salary and benefits. Fellowships will be full-time positions, paying a salary of $33,000 plus benefits.

A big criticism of high-speed networks being built by Google, AT&T and others has been how to bridge the so-called “digital divide.” How will networks connect underserved communities as well as the affluent. Plus, would training and support for people in those communities be offered for residents in those areas to learn how to benefit from fast Internet.

“When people have access to the web, opportunities are just a click away—from learning how to sign up for health care, to finding affordable housing, to keeping in touch with family and friends. But today, more than 60 million Americans still aren’t using the Internet at home. While there are organizations across the U.S. that want to help bring these people online, many of them don’t have the in-house expertise or resources to launch new programs,” wrote Andrew Bentley, Digital Inclusion Program Manager of Google Fiber in announcing $1 million in funding for fellowships to support the Google program and stipends to support community organizations.

“That’s why, in partnership with the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), we’re launching the Digital Inclusion Fellowship.”

Bentley said the Triangle Literacy Council fellow “will create a mobile computing lab, which will travel to libraries, community centers, jails, and schools to teach people basic online tasks, like sending emails or finding health clinics.”

The mobile computing lab in the Triangle is one of several programs Google Fiber plans to support in the eight markets where it already offers service or soon will be.

Google Fiber amd NTEN will hire 16 “fellows” to support programs such as:

  • Showing adults how to take their GEDs online
  • Helping job-seekers learn digital workplace skills
  • Teaching parents how to access their children’s grades online.

NTEN will select the fellows.

Applications are being accepted for the fellowships through June 10 at: nten.org/community/dif

Google Fiber is not alone in promoting “digital inclusion.”

The AT&T Foundation recently donated $33,000 to enable two Raleigh community centers to offer Internet access and training programs in Raleigh as part of the North Carolina Next Generation Network initiative.

The Kramden Institute, which is based in Durham, is also part of that program.