Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy Certificate
Basic computer classes for adults, taught one-on-one from the very first click
Blueprint is a 48-hour digital literacy program for adults starting with little or no computer experience. Every session is live and private with one instructor, paced to the student, and it begins with a Situational Assessment that turns career goals into a training plan. Computer basics, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace, built for people moving into work that uses a computer for the first time.
- Training careers nationwide since 2006
- 100% live, one-on-one instruction
- Vocational rehabilitation funding eligible
Program snapshot
Getting started
Every student starts with a Situational Assessment
Before training begins, each new student meets with DWC staff for a Situational Assessment: a two-hour, one-on-one appointment that looks at career goals, work history, current computer skills, and any disability-related concerns or accommodations. DWC then provides a detailed written report to the student and their counselor, with recommendations for training. Nobody starts in the wrong place.
Curriculum
What the Blueprint program covers in 48 hours
Four modules take students from the very first click to confident, everyday use of the tools every workplace relies on. Microsoft Office gets the most time, 32 hours across Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, taught one application at a time. Every session is private and live, typically 2 hours, twice a week, so new skills are practiced and repeated until they stick.
Module 1: Introduction to Computers (9 hrs)
Outcome: start from the very beginning and build real confidence: turn on, navigate, and organize a Windows computer, get online safely, and join a video meeting without help.
- Computer terminology and navigating the Windows environment
- Managing files and folders, and working with programs
- Browsing the internet and searching effectively
- Zoom and video conferencing, and managing storage space
Module 2: Microsoft Office (32 hrs)
Outcome: use the four Microsoft Office applications every workplace relies on, one private lesson at a time, with your instructor as your mentor.
- Microsoft Word Level 1: create, edit, format, and proof professional documents
- Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1: build, format, and present a basic presentation
- Microsoft Outlook Level 1: send and organize email, manage contacts, and schedule meetings
- Microsoft Excel Level 1: create worksheets, perform calculations, and print clean reports
Module 3: Google Workspace (3 hrs)
Outcome: work in the Google side of the office: Gmail and Calendar, storing files in Drive, and creating and sharing documents in Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Setting up a free Google account and navigating Google Workspace
- Google Calendar and Google Drive
- Creating, sharing, and collaborating in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Module 4: Capstone Project (4 hrs)
Put every skill together in a real-world administrative project with one-on-one help from your instructor, then present it and plan your next step, with job search and interview preparation from a career coach.
Lesson content and order may vary based on instructor approach and each student's Situational Assessment. Session length and frequency are arranged with the student. Each student needs their own Microsoft 365 subscription for the program; it is not included in tuition.
Who this is for
Who these computer classes are for
Moving from hands-on work
Years of experience in construction, warehouse, manufacturing, or service work, and now a role that uses a computer every day. Blueprint starts from zero and builds the skills a new kind of job expects.
Returning to work
Coming back after time away, or after a change in what work looks like for you. One-on-one pacing and accommodations make it possible to rebuild skills and confidence without keeping up with a class.
First-time computer users
Never had a reason to learn computers, or always relied on someone else. Learn the basics in plain language, from saving a file to joining a video meeting, with a patient instructor who never rushes.
Accommodations
Individualized instruction and accommodations
Blueprint was built one-on-one so that it can adapt. Pace, repetition, session length, and teaching approach all adjust to the student, including physical, cognitive, sensory, and learning needs. For adults with disabilities preparing to return to work, that means training that fits how they learn rather than a class schedule they have to keep up with.
Accommodation needs are discussed in the Situational Assessment and shared with the instructor before the first session, and progress updates are available to the student’s counselor throughout the program.
Why it works
Why one-on-one instruction works for true beginners
In a group class, a true beginner spends most of the time trying to catch up, and it is easy to stop asking questions. Blueprint removes that pressure: one instructor, one student, every session. Your instructor watches how you work, explains things in plain language, repeats what needs repeating, and moves on only when you are ready. The curriculum is customized from your Situational Assessment, so time goes where you need it.
Career outcomes
A foundation for the next step
Students finish with everyday computer confidence, hands-on experience in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, a capstone project, and one-on-one career coaching, plus a clear plan for what comes next.
Your next step
Build on Blueprint with the Business Administration Certificate
Blueprint builds the foundation. The Business Administration Certificate is the natural second step: the same private, one-on-one format, taking students from Level 1 into intermediate and advanced Microsoft Office skills, business communication, and preparation for Microsoft Office Specialist exams. Many students plan both programs together from the start, so funding, scheduling, and progress reporting stay in one place.
Prefer to start with a single class?
Tuition
Blueprint program cost
*Example only: the full $4,495 financed over 36 months at 13.99% APR, Climb's lowest current rate; $100 registration fee applies; subject to credit approval. Vocational rehabilitation, employer billing, and WIOA where approved can cover tuition. DWC scholarships and the Community Heroes Discount do not apply to Blueprint. Each student purchases their own Microsoft 365 subscription.
Funding
Four ways to cover your tuition
LH
I am very impressed with the patience and experience of the teacher. She was very supportive and affirming of my final level of skill.
Lori H., Blueprint Program graduate
Included with tuition
Support every step of the way
Guidance from pre-enrollment to graduation, included for every student at no additional cost.
Admissions advisors
From pre-enrollment through your first day, an advisor walks you through program details, funding, and scheduling.
Instructor mentoring
Your instructor is your mentor before, during, and after class, helping you become industry-ready.
Student support
A dedicated student affairs manager helps you set up accounts, check your technology, and get class files.
Career coaching
Meet one-on-one with a career coach on your resume, LinkedIn, portfolio, job search, and interviews.
Tech support
Stuck mid-program? Reach tech support by Slack, email, or phone and get moving again.
Internships and alumni
Join the Parker Dewey micro-internship network for real project experience, plus the DWC alumni community.
Since 2006
Why DWC trains differently
Community workshops and video tutorials move at one pace, and true beginners are the first to fall behind. DWC has delivered live, instructor-led career training nationwide since 2006, and Blueprint is our most individualized program: every one of its 48 hours is a private session, customized from a Situational Assessment and paced to the student.
Tuition includes a capstone project, career coaching for resumes and interviews, admissions advising, student and tech support, and a clear path into the Business Administration Certificate. Graduates earn the DWC Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy Certificate, a professional certificate issued by Digital Workshop Center.
FAQ
Blueprint program questions, answered
Still curious? Attend a free info session or call 970-980-8091.
Who are these computer classes for?
Adults starting with little or no computer experience. Many Blueprint students are moving from hands-on work such as construction, warehouse, manufacturing, or service jobs into roles that use a computer every day; others are returning to work after time away, or simply never had a reason to learn. Every session is private, so no one is ever behind a class.
Do I need any computer experience?
No. There are no prerequisites. Module 1 starts at the very beginning, with turning on and navigating a computer, and your instructor adjusts the pace to you. DWC helps you get set up for your first live session.
What is a Situational Assessment?
Before training begins, each new Blueprint student meets with DWC staff for a Situational Assessment: a two-hour, one-on-one appointment covering career goals, work history, current computer skills, and any disability-related concerns or accommodations. DWC then provides a detailed written report to the student and their counselor with recommendations for training.
How does vocational rehabilitation (DVR) funding work for Blueprint?
State vocational rehabilitation services fund training that helps people with documented disabilities return to or keep work. Your counselor includes the program in your Individual Plan for Employment, DWC coordinates enrollment, scheduling, and progress updates with the counselor, and DWC provides the documentation the agency needs. See our vocational rehabilitation funding guide for details.
Can a counselor refer a client directly?
Yes. Counselors and case managers can use our client referral form, and DWC follows up to schedule a Situational Assessment. Most Blueprint students begin with a referral like this.
What if I do not have a vocational rehabilitation counselor yet?
Contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency to begin intake. Eligibility is based on a documented disability that affects employment, and the agency assigns a counselor who can include training like Blueprint in your plan. You can also talk with DWC admissions first.
Is Blueprint eligible for WIOA funding?
Blueprint is listed on state Eligible Training Provider Lists, and WIOA funding decisions are made case by case by your local workforce center. Vocational rehabilitation is the most common funding path for this program. Our WIOA funding guide explains how to ask.
Are scholarships or discounts available for Blueprint?
No. DWC scholarships and the Community Heroes Discount do not apply to the Blueprint program. Funding usually comes from vocational rehabilitation, an employer, or WIOA where approved, and Climb Credit payment plans are available for self-pay students.
Can accommodations be made for disabilities?
Yes. Because every session is one-on-one, pace, repetition, session length, and teaching approach can all adjust to physical, cognitive, sensory, or learning needs. Share accommodation needs during the Situational Assessment or with admissions before your first session.
How long does the program take?
Blueprint is 48 hours of live, one-on-one instruction. At the typical pace of two 2-hour sessions per week, most students finish in about 12 weeks. Your schedule can be lighter or heavier; you set it with your instructor.
What equipment and software do I need?
A computer with a webcam, a microphone, and reliable internet, plus your own Microsoft 365 subscription for Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. Microsoft 365 is not included in tuition. Classes are taught live on Zoom, and learning to use Zoom is part of Module 1. Admissions helps you set up Microsoft 365 and check your equipment before your first session.
What comes after Blueprint?
Many students continue into the Business Administration Certificate, which builds on Blueprint with intermediate and advanced Microsoft Office skills, business soft skills, and Microsoft Office Specialist exam preparation. Both programs can be planned together from the start. Individual classes are also available.
What credential will I earn?
Graduates earn the DWC Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy Certificate, a professional certificate issued by Digital Workshop Center, along with a capstone project and one-on-one career coaching.
Keep exploring
Funding and referral resources
Start with a conversation, not a commitment.
Request program information and an admissions advisor follows up within one business day to arrange a Situational Assessment and walk through funding options. You can also call to talk it through first.
*Monthly payment example: the full $4,495 tuition financed over 36 months at 13.99% APR (Climb's lowest current rate); $100 registration fee applies; financing subject to credit approval. DWC scholarships and the Community Heroes Discount do not apply to the Blueprint program. Each student needs their own Microsoft 365 subscription; it is not included in tuition. Microsoft, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Office are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Google Workspace is a trademark of Google LLC. An advisor follows up within one business day.