There are well over 2,000 Community Technology Centers (CTCs) and related community technology projects that provide a range of technology services to low-income, minority, and hard-to-serve populations across America. Often a community technology effort does not carry the label of a CTC, even though they provide CTC-type services in urban and rural communities. Libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations that play a key role in our communities coordinate many community technology efforts. Often the building which houses a community technology center serves as the focal point of community activity, a center for learning and workforce preparedness, a showcase of community collaborations among businesses, government and nonprofit and civic organizations. The number of new programs has been increasing exponentially as communities recognize that access to technology is a key to economic empowerment, workforce competitiveness, and community building.

Both new and existing community technology efforts are strengthened through a number of national and regional alliances, such as the Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet). Through these linkages, informal standards have been developing to build cost-effective services in bridging the "digital divide," in addition to providing quality, professionalism, and a growing body of evaluation that points to the effectiveness of collaborative community technology center models. Federal funding is needed to create new CTCs, maintain existing centers, and build the types of standards to continue effective service delivery.

The following examples provide only a small window into the wide range of services delivered through community technology centers and projects. More information on CTCs can be found through the
Community Technology Center Network and the Benton Foundation's Digital Divide Network


Case Examples (listed alphabetically by state)

Cordova, AK

Cordova is an isolated fishing villiage which suffered economically as a result of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. In 1997, the Corodva Public School partnered with the local library and city hall to provide Internet access, computer training, and technology resources, with the assistance of Microsoft in order to provide residents with economic opportunities. Networked computer labs are now available to the public to provide continuous skills training.


Fairbanks, AK

FAIRNET (Fairbanks Alaska Internet Resources Network for Education and Training) provides free public access to the Internet and vital community information online for the Fairbanks Northstar Borough Community. Public access is available through the Noel Wien Library, North Star Council on Aging (for senior citizens), the Brice Center’s Computer Literacy Lab, South Side Community Center, Access Alaska (for persons with disabilities), the North Pole City Hall, and the Executive Estates housing complex. Each of the public access sites combines computer access with learning opportunities in work and volunteer opportunities, educational development, basic skills enhancement, and access to community resources and human services.


Ketchikan, AK

To define and encourage public space in the new digital environment, the Ketchikan Area Arts & Humanities Council, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Arts , the Benton Foundation, created a joint effort to establish public points of access to the Internet at arts and cultural institutions throughout the area. In addition, associated training programs enable artists and art institutions to become effective information providers on the World Wide Web.


Seward, AK

The Seward Adult Learning Center (SALC) provides adult learning opportunities to Seward residents and to Alaskan students attending the Alaska Vocational-Technical Education Center (AVTEC). These services include GED, ESL, basic math, basic English, and basic computer instruction. SALC programs are available to the public at large at little or no cost, with fees routinely waived for those who have difficulty paying


Hualapai, AZ

The tribe has a small computer lab in its library for community use on the reservation. Adult students use the library and computers to enhance their employability skills and for research. In addition, the library installed basic skills lessons and tutorials on computers, as well as a GED program.


Meza, AZ

Marc Center has been serving children and adults with disabilities for more than 40 years, helping them to gain the necessary skills to live and work independently. A recent grant from Micorsoft is helping to develop three state-of-the art computer labs for the Center’s clients. One will serve pre-school children and focus on increased motor skills development, one will serve adults enrolled in employment and vocational training, and the third will be dedicated to individuals enrolled in social and community service programs.


Hot Springs, AR

The Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center is a 24-hour rehabilitation facility providing services to individuals with disabilities. The Center offers programs on employment and job training, adult basic education, and job placement, including computer-based clerical and administrative office skills.


Los Angeles, CA

The PUENTE Learning Center (short for People United to Enrich the Neighborhood Through Education) grew out of concern for the poor academic performance of Latino students in an east LA neighborhood. PUENTE currently provides preschool readiness for 3-5 year olds, after school enrichment, high school tutorial, English as a Second Language instruction, high school diploma, Spanish literacy, clerical and administrative skills, and computer applications. Every class uses computers, for skill development and exploration. The business preparation classes include word processing, spreadsheets, and other useful office software. The ESL classes use software developed by PUENTE (based on a university-designed computer program called CALAS) that allows students to practice grammar and other language skills at their own pace, with frequent feedback and opportunities to redo segments that prove difficult. PUENTE’s experience demonstrates that technology is not only necessary to successfully participate in the classroom and the workplace, but can motivate and excite learners of all ages and backgrounds, and is also.


Oakland, CA

The Women’s Economic Agenda Project (WEAP) trains low-income women and youth from all ethnic backgrounds, and has created a bridge between business, professional and academic organizations and Oakland’s poorest communities. WEAP’s computer technology programs grew out of the realization that many of the people they served were limited to low-paying service jobs because they lacked a high school education and basic computer skills. Students in WEAP’s Computer and Telecommunications Skills Center are given access to high-tech equipment and applications, and can follow a number of different curriculum “pathways”: business, family issues, multimedia, the Internet and web design, desktop publishing, and job skills. WEAP’s newest technology effort, the Cisco Networking Academy, will help develop training resources for network administrators in local schools and community colleges. To support their technology programs, they have established partnerships with the city of Oakland, several computer companies, and other non-profits like the local computer users group and the Media Alliance.

The Eastmont Computing Center is the product of a partnership between the Oakland Citizens’ Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR), the East Bay Urban Church and Family Network, Youth Media, the FAITHS Initiative and the Urban Technology Center, Inc. ECC provides universal access and employment-focused, cutting-edge training to 30,000 adults and youths living in Oakland’s underserved communities. ECC offers free computer and internet access in a 5,000 square foot storefront with 80 computers at a local mall. The ECC offers students at two local public high schools a variety of services including internet access for research, word processing access to improve the quality of school work, and technology-focused school-to-career transition services. Adults access resources to assist in resume writing, job search, computer literacy and work place skills. Through partnership with local churches, ECC is also able to provide technology resources to a broad spectrum of Oakland residents in 25 ministries. The ECC serves as the central repository of equipment, training, skills and other resources, allowing each church center to offer the services of a community computing center without significant technical or staff overhead.


San Francisco, CA

The Hayes Valley Computer Learning Center is one of 25 public housing development efforts where computer technology and training have been integrated into the housing site as part of an effort to help residents become economically self-sufficient. Productivity software is available for the networked computers located in each resident’s home.


Greely, CO

The U S WEST Foundation and the Math and Science Teaching Center (MAST) at the University of Northern Colorado – Greeley have partnered to develop the WOW (Widening Our World) Outreach Program. Specially equipped, state of the art vans are sent to communities served by U S WEST in In Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska. These vans function as are mobile “interactive schools” that offer families, senior citizens, professionals, and the general public a range of over thirty free, hands-on classes detailing how to access, navigate, and effectively use the Internet for education, small business development, career-building opportunities, research, and culturally-specific issues. More than 45,000 people have taken advantage of the trrainings to date.


New Haven, CT

The New Haven Free Public Library features a computer center and terminals for patrons to access the Internet, job information, business development resources and literacy instruction. It also offers instruction in basic computer use.

The L.E.A.P (Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership) Computer Center is a resource tied to a comprehensive, community-based program that serves nearly 700 children from eight economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in New Haven, Hartford, and New London. Supported in part by equipment donations from Apple Computer, Groups of 8 children at a time meet weekly and on weekends to develop computer, teamwork and cooperative skills.


Washington, DC

The Gateway Project at Edgewood Terrace was built by the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) to provide residents in its low- and moderate-income housing developments with access to computers and training programs. The Gateway center features networked computer workstations with current software and an Internet connection, and offers a variety of training options tailored to the specific needs of its particular community, ranging from basic computer literacy classes to more advanced application-specific instruction and job training programs.

National Urban Internet was created to develop community technology centers groups in underserved areas. These centers provide citizens and community groups with access to vital environmental information, and also provide a variety of classes designed to train low income, public housing, public assistance, unemployed and other individuals for gainful employment. These centers also enable community residents to use computer based tools and the internet as information and communication resources Sponsors and supporters include the U.S. Navy Yard Headquarters, Environmental Protection Agency Office of Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse, and Howard University’s Urban Environment Institute.


St. Petersburg, Florida

The Business Development Center (BDC) serves as a one-stop facility to assist the development of new and existing small businesses. It will makes available a full range of business support services to citizens within the state’s Enterprise Zone, as well as to all the county and surrounding area community. A Business Information Center (BIC) is located within the Center makes available the latest computer hardware and software technology to clients. In addition, the BIC offers an extensive small business reference library of books and videos on current business management practices.


Chicago, IL

Prologue Alternative High School’s Community Computing Center is one of the few public access technology centers in Chicago and the only one in the North Side Uptown community. Open to all Uptown residents and any Prologue student, the lab offers free public computer literacy classes and software training in evenings and on Saturdays, as well as unstructured public access time.

Through innovative courses at Street Level Youth Media in documentary production, computer art and the Internet, Chicago’s young people have the opportunity to address important issues and share their dreams with a global audience. Teens use the World Wide Web, teleconferencing and video technology as tools for education, self-expression and social change. Recent projects include “Neutral Ground Youth,” a collection of dozens of personal Web pages produced by young people at Street-Level’s West Town Storefront, and the “Chi-dentified” (Chicago Identified) project, which gave youth across the city the chance to examine their identities in the context of American history, the history of slavery and the African people. “eco.hood” is an ever-growing site that explores urban environmentalism, produced by kids at the Elliot Donnelley Youth Center; Kidz Werk is a youth “zine”, an online magazine filled with short stories and pictures created during the summer of 1998.


Muncie, IN

The Muncie Public Library, in cooperation with several local organizations, including Ball State University, area schools, and the City of Muncie, to expanded the concept of the Bookmobile to provide technology access to persons who are unable to easily travel to their local library. A high technology van was outfitted to offer computer training and online resources through regularly scheduled stops throughout the community. Efforts are targeted especially to intercity and rural residents, children, and the disabled.


Ames, IA

Iowa State University’s Extension Computer Unit provides a range of community technology opportunities. Many of them reach minorities, low-income, youth, and elderly populations. It offers Master Navigator training, Iowa’s Youth Technology Corps, Children-Youth-and Families at Risk, Computer Connection, Vista Volunteers, Public Internet Access terminals in 21 Iowa counties, technology training in less formal situations, loaner laptops to mobilize training, Intergenerational Internet, ISP information classes for Hispanic populations, and training to municipal employees.


Clinton, IA

A partnership between Clinton Community College, Gateway United Way, and Gateway Initiative 2000 led to the development in 1998 of the US West Community Technology Center, a large collaborative community effort designed to engage minority, disadvantaged and/or at-risk youth and their families into the technology learning community. Clinton Community College hosts the Center, which affords students, volunteers, business, and the human service community personnel the opportunity to increase their own technology skills while assisting the targeted population. GED students utilize the center during the day, and in the evening, the community can take advantage of specialized training in workplace skills development and web training.


Murray, KY

Kentucky school policy states all children must have equal access to technology, the statewide network and other information needed to meet their schools’ instructional goals. There is a trust fund (the Kentucky Education Technology System) that can be spent for assistive equipment but it is little used. The Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Consortium trains administrators, library media specialists and teachers in six school districts about low- to high-tech adaptations which will allow individuals with disabilities to use computers in the library and classroom. Accessible computer workstations give students with disabilities access to electronic media and the statewide technology network.


Baltimore, MD

The Baltimore Urban League is a leading advocate for and provider of technological literacy and access for its constituents. It is a state-of-the-art technological facility which contains a computer lab, videoconferencing equipment, technology-based literacy systems. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, and the residents of McCulloh Homes (a public housing development) and Orchard Mews (an assisted living complex), the Urban League developed Communities On-Line. This program has provided the residents of both developments with computer technology to help them become more self-sufficient, employable, and economically self-reliant. The residents manage the computer center, including the marketing, training and support, troubleshooting and maintenance. Trainings range from computer literacy to developing computer skills on business and clerical software.

The Neighborhood Information Center (NIC) is a community information service provided by the Enoch Pratt Free Library at the Pratt Center for Maryland Neighborhoods. The NIC provides access to neighborhood-related information, including human service resources and fundraising opportunities, as well as computer resources, and a civic meeting space for community groups. Computer resources are available that allow patrons to view and create neighborhood maps, design newsletters, flyers and brochures, and use the Internet to browse census and demographic data and tax-assessment data Computer Instruction ranging from basic computer skills, Intenret, word processing, data collection and analysis, GIS mapping, and other computer courses.


Greenbelt, MD

Greenbelt Internet Access Cooperative (GIAC) is organized and operated by community volunteers to help others learn about and access the Internet. GIAC is not an Internet service provider (ISP). We do not own or house the computers and telephone lines that connect our subscribers to the Internet. Instead, GIAC negotiates and purchases the best possible rate and service package from an ISP, then resells individual Internet services to GIAC Members at substantial savings over competitive market rates. Each month GIAC and the Greenbelt Library co-sponsor a free class at the Library on the basics of computers and the Internet. GIAC distributes free Internet access software, and volunteers help co-op members configure their own computers and software for successful connection to the Internet. GIAC volunteers maintain the Greenbelt Community Website as a free resource to the Greenbelt community and nearby areas. The website includes a Community Calendar of upcoming local events; a Community Directory of individuals, businesses, organizations and public agencies; and other features about major local events and topics of interest to the greater Greenbelt community. GIAC is a business; however, unlike some cooperatives, there are no paid employees. Motivated by community spirit, not by profit, GIAC members perform all of the administrative and technical tasks of running and growing the business.


Rockville, MD

The Lakeforest Library Connection (LLC) was developed by the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries in 1996 to provide free and equal electronic access to library services and workforce training resources to people of all ages and economic and cultural backgrounds. It operates in a storefront space donated by the Lakeforest Shopping Center, a community shopping mall. Several high technology companies and foundations, including Apple, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, IBM, Bell Atlantic, and Lockheed Martin provide support in the form of software, equipment, and expertise. Workforce development for information technology is provided in the form of trainings coordinated by the county’s Workforce Development Corporation and Career Transition Center. Open on weekends and evenings at times when libraries are not open during many hours when public libraries and schools are closed, the Center fills an important niche and significantly enhancing the larger community’s information resources. To date over 150,000 citizens have taken advantage of this community technology resource, with an average of 200 visitors daily. Of that number, 50% have used the resources for career-related purposes, and to date 200 individuals have received job training that has led to gainful employment.


Boston, MA

The YWCA Boston has a computer lab that provides computer access to the residents of the YWCA Grandfamilies Apartments, a supportive housing environment for grandparents raising their grandchildren. The computer lab provides the technology components for the Generations Learning Together program designed to address underachievement in math and science, and provides training opportunities in computer skills, the Internet and software applications for the disadvantaged families. The YWCA, as lead agency in collaboration with the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, and the Patriots’ Trail Girl Scout Council has for three years been engaged in Youth Voice Collaborative, a media technology program for urban young men and women. Goals of the program, which will utilize the awarded Apple equipment, are to increase the “youth voice” in the media, encourage a more accurate portrayal of youth in the media, and develop skills in analytical and critical thinking, oral and written communication, and computer and other technical skills.


Springfield, MA

Goodwill Industries of Springfield/Hartford serves the vocational and residential needs of the disabled and disadvantaged in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. A recent grant from Microsoft will be used to establish a computer lab that will provide Internet access and skills training to Goodwill clients, including computer skills for those interested in pursuing in information technology careers, office and clerical work, and providing access to internet resources for job seekers.


St. Paul, MN

The Jewish Community Center’s technology program will include: a mentoring program to teach computer skills, with teens paired with senior adults, people with disabilities, and people who do not speak English as their first language; classes in several different languages including Russian, Laotian, and Spanish for the community surrounding the Center and in low-income housing units adjacent to the Center; computer time for teens and adults for the preparation of homework assignments and exploration; and computer use to enhance the ESL educational programs for senior adults.


St. Louis, MO

Feed My People Help Center is a nonprofit rehabilitative help center. In addition to dispensing food supplies, we offer job counseling, budget guidance, G.E.D. assistance, literacy instruction, and other services designed to assist clients in their quest to get back on their feet. They offer a Computer Literacy Program for clients with limited job skills. Unemployed clients able to work must register with both the state employment office and with the center’s Job Counseling Program, and must adhere to a series of counseling appointments and job referrals. By helping clients acquire computer skills the center hopes to open up additional job opportunities.


Dillon, MT

Dillon-Net,Inc., a nonprofit organization, offers free and individual training to anyone in beginning skills for computers, email, and Internet searching. Then, through community efforts and grants matched by local in-kind contributions, free access to the Internet is available at 19 sites in a 3 county area in Southwest Montana. Sites include nonprofits, county and state offices, libraries, schools, museum businesses; some are over 80 miles apart in isolated rural areas. Many who learn skills at Dillon-Net become unpaid tutors for others. Ages served thus far vary from 4 to 86 years. Human resources, local government, community activities, tourism info, plus links to local home pages of art and info are online via the Dillon home pages. A local listserv is provided to encourage community issues discussion. More advanced skills in word processing, web page design and scanning and more are arranged when requested. Laptops and digital cameras are for rent for home use. Continuing community demonstrations and tutoring by volunteers has helped build awareness of Internet possibilities and provide opportunities for the entire area.


Las Vegas, NV

Founded in 1992, the Clark County Public Education Foundation created InterAct® — an education and community resource network for mobilizing the community to solve challenges of inequity of educational resources for students in the rural and urban sectors of their community. InterAct is a collaborative partnership among businesses, schools, and the United Way of Southern Nevada. To implement reforms, the foundation created an alliance of the home, school, and business communities that included school board members, school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and representatives of the business community. This led to the deployment of a computer network that would serve all members of the community. The United Way also marshaled additional community support from such groups as the Nevada Association for the Handicapped, Center for Healthy Families-Sunrise Hospital, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Howard Cannon Senior Center, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and other community agencies to develop a global village partnership. This resource enables teachers, community members, and students to share ideas and resources, promote international cooperation, and discover the wonders of different cultures. Community leaders believe that the rich cultural diversity of the community and the unique collaborative perspective that participating organizations bring to this project is a key factor in the overall success of this venture.


Manchester, NH

The Alpha Alliance works to empower the New Hampshire Hispanic community through education, public awareness and integration. The ALPHA Community Computer Center provides computer access to those who do not own computers, and teaches computer skills that improve employability and self-sufficiency. ALPHA’s Computer Center provides computer access and training to users ranging in ages 9 to 60 who are mostly low income, none or limited English speaking and of diverse ethnic origins. The Center is accessed by approximately forty youths and twenty adults every week.


Taos, NM

La Plaza Telecommunity is an electronic community network located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico. Serving Taos county, La Plaza’s mission is to improve communication and information sharing among the areas tri-cultural communities by providing access to information technology resources, education in computer and internet technology and a virtual library of regional information. La Plaza is one of the few electronic community networks with a high percentage of Hispanic and Native American users, reflective of the area’s diverse population. La Plaza provides training, access and support in internet technology to members of the 35 plus neighborhood associations to help strengthen the democratic discussion and decision making that is vital to the environmental, cultural, and economic development of Taos County. Currently the Hispanic population comprises about 60%, Native Americans10% and Anglos about 30%. This substantial demographic shift has given rise to growing tensions and resentment among the different communities. Adding to the tensions is the extreme poverty of most of the local population. A major source of this inter-ethnic stress appears to be vast chasms in economic and educational advantages, and a lack of meaningful communication between the various sectors. Internet access has resulted in greater civic participation which is key to ensuring healthy dialogues between individuals, their communities and local government. By integrating an Internet communication system with the activities of the 35+ neighborhood associations, Taos serves as a model of democratic revitalization for rural communities throughout America.


Brooklyn, NY

The Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership provides residents of three public housing developments and the surrounding community with individual attention for using computers in their job search and resume writing. This community of over 94,000 people, with 46% of the residents living below the poverty line, and a youth unemployment rate is 50% higher than the city average, faces tough obstacles in helping residents find work. Of the housing project 17% of the residents over 25 years of age have not completed ninth grade and 41% have no high school diploma or GED. To meet a wide range of needs, the Partnership coordinates its computer resources with other job training opportunities. Within the last 18 months alone, the Partnership helped train and place 45 residents in jobs they have kept. The Partnership has not only received financial support from companies such as Bell Atlantic, Con Edison, and Chase Bank, but enjoys the active participation of these and other businesses as both volunteers and board members.


White Plains, NY

The White Plains Public Library works with the White Plains Senior Center, and the Department of Recreation and Parks to provide training for senior citizens in the basic use of computers in a PC-Based environment. The primary goal of this program is to develop a working knowledge of computers, especially the Internet. Learning groups of up to 12 seniors cover basic computer skills, and learn how to take advantage of the Internet for communications. Workshops are conducted by professional librarians and technical assistants.


Durham, NC

The Durham Literacy Council is one of a group of non profits and small businesses in Durham establishing a network of community technology centers to address educational and training needs for low-income residents in predominately African-American and Hispanic communities.. Two centers are currently being developed, both with an emphasis on education, vocational training, and literacy skills. One center is located in a YMCA, the other in a multipurpose center operated by the Durham Housing Authority. A full complement of classes in employment portfolio preparation, computer and writing skills, GED preparation, and workplace English are offered to help students develop credentials and skills to enter more advanced job training programs and conduct a professional job search. Plans are underway to expand the range of services to include a Virtual Career Development Center, which would combine distance learning strategies with community networking.


Sylvania, OH

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo’s mission is “to enable persons with disabilities to live and participate in the community with the greatest possible independence.” The Center’s Technology Access Program provides direct access to adaptable computers and computer-related technology for use as tools by persons with disabilities to live and participate in the community as independently as possible. The program also facilitates equal access to computers and computer-related technology for persons with disabilities through the development of partnerships with community computing centers, libraries, Internet service providers, and other technology-oriented businesses.


Norristown, PA

The MBF Center targets is programs to individuals with serious disabilities who normally would have little or no opportunity to master computer skills. Through two programs, Computer & Business Training and Clerical Skills Training, students are taught basic and advanced computer, and clerical skills that prepare them for a variety of employment opportunities.


Philadelphia, PA

A multi-service agency, North Light Community Center / Neighborhood Access to Technology serves some 5,000 community members. Constituents are a multi-ethnic mix of lower middle class working families and senior citizens, one third of whom fall below the federal poverty level; the others are working poor and working class. The computer lab is available for participants of all ages with programs including basic computer skills, practical applications such as letter writing and resume preparation, and multimedia/Internet development.

Philadelphia Parent Child Center, Inc. was founded in an economically and socially-distressed community for the purpose of assisting low- income children and their families. The technology program includes job training and GED classes with goals of increasing skill levels and self-esteem and motivating clients to set and reach goals to secure a better quality of life for themselves and their children.

The YMCA Central Branch offers a variety of programs to enhance the learning of the central Philadelphia community. The adult literacy program is available to anyone that is committed to learning how to read. At the facility, residents can work independently or with volunteer tutor to supplement lessons while learning valuable computer skills as they practice reading, writing and, math. They choose from a wide variety of software specifically designed for adults as well as a variety of common applications. In addition to basic literacy services, the Central YMCA Adult Literacy Program runs a lab that allows all students to access new technologies and skills that are becoming basic to the work force. Students can receive free internet email accounts and access to the information highway of the World Wide Web. The goal is to improve the community as a whole through the promotion of basic education and literacy.


Pittsburgh, PA

The Hill House Community Access Network (HHCAN), provides electronic information and communication services to address the needs of the broadest possible spectrum of Hill District residents while encouraging and providing assistance for the development of community-based computer systems throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. HHCAN is operated by the Hill House Association (HHA), a nonprofit collaborative social service agency, rooted in the turn-of-the-century settlement house movement, that has been providing services to residents of the Hill District and the Pittsburgh area for over 30 years. Funding for the network is obtained through both financial and in-kind donations from subscribers, and through government and private grants/sponsorships, including Weed and Seed contracts. Low cost annual membership provides subscribers with access to an electronic mail account and training in the basic use of computers and the Internet.

Since 1995, HHA has developed technology sites throughout the Hill District that utilize telephone and computer networking technologies to encourage interactive communications on a common platform accessible to all residents. Today there are over 20 sites in the Hazelwood, Glen Hazel, Homestead and West Homestead communities, including New Beginnings Learning Center, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church, Youth Fair Chance, Sojourner House and Wadworth Hall in the Allequippa Terrace Housing community. HHCAN makes it possible for community agencies, government departments, schools, churches, libraries, community centers and businesses to provide valuable personal and professional information services to the public by fostering better collaboration. This in turn helps to support efforts at sustainable, community based economic development, business and employment growth.


Columbia, SC

Since 1997, the South Carolina State Library system has worked to bring public Internet access to every public library in the state. When the project began, only 25% of the 39 public library systems in the state had Internet connections. Now, all South Carolina public library sites have Internet access, providing library patrons with a wealth of online information resources, including employment and workforce skills development opportunities.


Knoxville, TN

In many areas of East Tennessee, calls outside the county in which people live are long-distance, and many areas also lack local Internet access numbers. East Tennessee Technology Access Center provides affordable access to communication technologies and Internet access for people who live in rural areas, are isolated, and live on fixed incomes. The Center is working with the Knoxville Oak Ridge Regional Network (KORRnet) and their Computer for Homebound/Isolated People (CHIPS) program which provides donated computers to individuals in 15 rural counties so they can connect with the rest of the world.


Morristown, TN

The C. Frank Davis Homes Housing Project in Morristown is located in an area with subsidized housing, a Title I elementary and middle school, and a high school with high dropout rates. To assist poor families in desperate need of educational and employment resoureces, the county opened a branch library in this neighborhood. The library is housed in a building with many other local community service organizations—a police substation, the DARE program, the local Housing Authority, and an Americorps project office. This new library branch has a computer bank, educational software, library materials to supplement homework assignments, GED, and job search materials.


Austin, TX

The Austin Free Net is a collaborative civic effort, providing publicly accessible Internet-connected computers and training for the benefit of all Austin residents. Public access stations are located in every Austin public library, as well as local community centers and media labs. The Free Net also works with nonprofit community organizations and civic groups to serve a wide range of Austin’s population. The project has established the East Austin Media Lab for young people to explore the possibilities of multimedia through open access, basic training, and mentor/protégé relationships through internships with technology firms. Austin Free Net focuses on neighborhood web site development to develop community identity and civic pride while providing access to vital information regarding jobs, housing, crime, and other issues of importance to six targeted low-income areas. The East Austin Media Lab complements the work of the DeWitty Web Development Lab, a community technology effort that offers the Teen Web Guild with the Austin Learning Academy, and the Audio Development Lab, a community effort to provide broadcast quality audio production services for radio and the Internet.

The Oak Creek Village Community Center is located on a low-income housing project. The center is nonprofit and HUD-recognized as Neighborhood Networks Center. The idea behind the center is to help residents become self-sufficient and make the transition from Welfare to Work. The center offers a variety of opportunities for both adults and children. For the adults, GED classes, computer classes, Internet classes, typing classes, parenting classes, nutrition and health classes, interview and resume writing and other innovative ways to further adult learning levels are offered. Oak Creek Village Community Center is also dedicated to assisting the children with their education and building children’s self-esteem and self-worth. The center offers tutoring, homework help, art classes, dance classes, computer classes, a girls therapy group and much more. Another goal of the center is to provide a safe haven for the children. The children at the center are monitored and guided in the right direction rather than being out where drugs and gangs are predominately available.


El Paso; Harlingen, TX

Project VIDA (Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement) is a high-skills training program that serves a four-county area of the Rio Grande Valley. VIDA has a “pre-hire” agreement with local employers so that every individual that enters the training program is guaranteed a job that is at least a living wage. They report a 95% training completion rate and a 80% to 90% retention rate. Additional funding would be used to expand the program in other communities in the Rio Grande Valley area.

Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley is a school-to-work partnership between education and businesses that prepares young people for today’s skilled workforce. This partnership involves high schools, colleges, large and small businesses, governmental agencies, and relies on the business/education connection to design job-specific curricula to prepare students for occupations currently in demand and for those projected to be in demand.


Burlington, VT

The Old North End Community/Technology Center is a non-profit HUD funded Enterprise Community program that provides economic and cultural opportunities of the Information Age to neighborhood residents. The range of services offered includes Internet Access, computer classes and continuing training, technology capacity and needs assessment resources, and professional development opportunities.


Arlington, VA

Arlington County coordinates the activities of four Bilingual Outreach Centers that assist persons who have limited English proficiency. Each center, centrally located in a housing development complex, provides a range of on-site services including computer classes and job readiness workshops. The centers also provide resources for locating jobs and educational assistance.


Blacksburg, VA

Blacksburg has one of the largest proportions (over 60%) of online citizens in the country, thanks to the Blacksburg Electronic Village (BEV). One of the oldest Internet-based community networks in the country, BEV represents collaboration between Virginia Tech University, the Town of Blacksburg and Bell Atlantic. It is a unique a public-private partnership that has actively engaged citizens, government, and businesses. BEV is committed to community-wide, ubiquitous and inexpensive Internet and high-speed telecommunications access for all members of the community. Through strong cooperative efforts with the public schools and the public library, all school children and citizens who desire it have free, direct access to the Internet, including personal electronic mail accounts. Senior citizens have developed a social group based on their online connections; more than two-thirds of the businesses in town are using the Internet to grow their markets; students are using videoconferencing technology to communicate with other parts of the world; and citizens are using the Web to communicate with the county supervisor’s office to voice their concerns. Citizens may choose several connection methods, including access through public Internet workstations at libraries and schools.

Falls Church, VA

Kidz Online is a community technology project that teaches children online communication and information gathering skills that will be important to their futures and encourage them to view technology as a door to entrepreneurial opportunity. Youth volunteers serve as mentors to the District of Columbia young people, teaching them how to use basic and advanced computer technology and Internet communications strategies. Community partners ranging from local banks, national and regional area high technology firms such as Microsoft, IBM, Novell, Gannet. EDS, UUNet, and the Northern Virginia Technology Council provide equipment, space, volunteers, and linkage opportunities for inner city and at-risk youth. The program exposes youth and parents to higher-end technology tools in an attempt to close the digital divide.

Bellevue, WA

The Boys and Girls Club established a state-of the art technology center at its main Cluibhouse, and expanded the facilities of the computer labs in its Teen Center and the Eastside Terrace public housing project, with the support of Microsoft, King County Housing Authority, the Bellevue Police Department, and the United Way. The three labs provide hundreds of at-risk school-age children and teens access to computers they would otherwise not have during non-school hours. Young people are learningto use the computers to develop skills in desktop publishing, digital video production, and Internet web page development.

Kennewick, WA

At the Pasco Community Employment and Educational Computing Center, area residents will receive training in computer technology, and participate in activities such as computer recycling, GED preparation, ESL, Web development, and youth-adult mentoring. A partnership with the Washington State Migrant Council helps deliver services to local farm workers.

Morgantown, WV

The Computer Assistance Project teaches writing, composition, and research skills through computer applications, and provides technical training on the basic components and organization of a computer, to unemployed and displaced West Virginian workers who need computer literacy skills to keep up in a rapidly changing educational system and job market. The project is coordinated by the Department of English’s Center for Literary Computing at West Virginia University and the Rock Forge Neighborhood House. Since 1997, the program has offered classes to adults of all ages and economic backgrounds. These free computer classes are advertised in the local papers and by word of mouth. The demand for classes has exceeded available resources both in computers and staff time; as of this writing over 100 community members remain on waiting lists to take computer classes at Rock Forge.

Richwood, WV

Comstock Technology Corporation provides technology training resources to assist in job creation opportunities for West Virginian citizens. CTC operates the Lamplight Technology Training Center, which conducts a nine-month extensive training course covering such topics as computer programming, database design, and application development.