Although the number of Americans who have access to computers and the Internet has increased greatly in the last year, the "digital divide" between information and communication "haves" and "have-nots" is still growing. This is especially true for the 559 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in Indian Country, representing 740,000 persons, where owning a computer or having Internet access are often not priorities for communities that lack basic infrastructure (roads, utilities, and housing), have less income, receive less education and suffer more high unemployment and poverty rates than most other U.S. populations.

• 26.8% of rural Native American households have computer access, compared to the national average of 42.1%1 ;
• 18.9% of Native Americans reported having Internet access, compared to the national average of 26.2%;2
• 39% of rural households in Native communities have telephones, compared with 94% for non-Native rural communities3 ;
• 9% of rural Native households have personal computers and, of those, 8% have Internet access4 ;
• 90% of Native schools and libraries have basic computer and Internet access, yet lack access to high-speed Internet connections5 .

Despite the obstacles of the digital divide, Native Americans want access to computers and the Internet. The Internet is no longer only a source of information, communication, and entertainment, it is fast becoming a tool of self and economic-empowerment. Underserved communities are using information technology to look for employment, education, and training opportunities, as well as to utilize community information that addresses basic needs and encourages civic participation. Technology access and literacy are less a luxury than a necessity to participation and empowerment in our digital society. Native Americans need access to computers and the Internet. People without technology access are roughly 1.5 times more likely than home computer users to obtain Internet access through community technology centers. Falling prices for computer and Internet access may allow more people to access the same tools as other connected Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity. This, however, is a long-term prospect with no promises. In the meantime, the limited numbers of community technology centers are working to narrow the "digital divide" by meeting the technology needs of minorities and underserved populations today. Community Technology Centers (CTCs) work to close the digital divide. Community Technology Centers (CTCs) provide minority, low income, and other disenfranchised individuals with free or low-cost public access to the technology tools and services other connected Americans enjoy. These services include trainings that may enhance employment opportunities. Federally funded research6 has demonstrated CTCs to be an effective community-based model, and Congress appropriated $32.5 million in FY 2000 to support CTCs. The Clinton Administration has proposed increasing the budget for CTCs in FY 2001 to $100 million. However, tight caps on discretionary spending may put CTC funding in jeopardy. A coalition of organizations, including Alliance for Community Media, the Alliance for Technology Access, American Library Association, the Association for Community Networking, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Libraries for the Future, National Education Association, National Urban League, OMB Watch, and SeniorNet have come together to support CTCs, and encourage Congress to fund the program at $100 million in FY 2001. With expanded, consistent funding, more CTCs can be established, and existing ones can be strengthened and expanded. NOTES

1. "Falling Through The Net: A Report on the Telecommunications and Information Technology Gap In America," U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (July 1999)
2. National Telecommunications and Information Administration
3. "Assessment of Technology Infrastructure in Native Communities," New Mexico State University's College of Engineering research, http://alpha.nmsu.edu/~tech
4. New Mexico State University College of Engineering
5. New Mexico State University College of Engineering
6. For more information, see:
   • "Impact of CTCNet Affiliates: Findings from a National Survey of Users of Community Technology Centers," Chow et al, July 1998, Education Development Center, Newton, MA, http://www.ctcnet.org/impact98.htm
   • "Community Technology Centers: Impact on Individual Participants and Their Communities," Mark et al, April 1997, EDC, Newton, MA, http://www.ctcnet.org/eval.html
   • "Losing Ground Bit by Bit: Low-Income Communities in the Information Age," Susan Goslee et al, Benton Foundation, June 1998, http://www.benton.org/Library/Low-Income