HOLYOKE, Mass. - A new "Tech Hub" opening at Holyoke Community College could go a long way in providing resources for western Massachusetts residents to succeed in the digital world.

Springfield nonprofit Tech Foundry runs the Tech Hub program and received a $5.1 million grant to help fund the new site.

Operations & outreach coordinator Lasharie Weems is a graduate of Tech Foundry's 18-week IT workforce training program. The Chicopee resident is a single mom. 

"As my older two started at a science and technology school, they would bring home homework that was tech-related or they had to do their homework on the computer and I couldn't help them much and that was kind of frustrating as their mother," Weems said.

Weems said the training helped her navigate technology at home and helped her get back into the workforce. She now said her goal is to help give others access to the digital skills needed to have a successful career.

"Filling out job applications, being able to create a resume and put it online, a lot of people don't know how to do that and that can hinder their growth," Weems said. "So that's what we're here to do. We're here to help them bridge that gap."

TechHub offers free services and classes including digital skills training workshops and walk-in IT support. It opens to the public on Thursday.