Bridging the Digital Divide

Transcription

1 Bridging the Digital Divide

2 Connecting for Good Values 1. Our core belief is that Internet connectivity equals opportunity. 2. Education is the #1 thing that lifts people from poverty but it s impossible without the Internet. 3. In-home access is an essential modern utility; like phone service, electricity and running water.

3 Digital Divide in Kansas City 25% of Kansas City area residents don t have broadband Internet access at home. (3-5 Mb) 42% of those who don t use the Internet have annual household incomes of under $25,000, most of whom live in low income housing. 46% of nonusers are minorities. 70% of Kansas City Public Schools students do not have the Internet in their homes.

4 Challenges to Connecting The cost of the traditional ways to connect to the Internet is beyond what low income families can afford. Some who can afford it still don t own a computer and can t afford to buy one. Others who might think it s important to get online don t have experience to use the Internet in a productive way.

5 Three Pronged Solution Free and Affordable Broadband Internet Connectivity Inexpensive Refurbished Computer Equipment Digital Life Skills Training

6 Affordable & Accessible Internet We are working on a number of levels to provide Internet access to the citizens of Kansas City

7 Growing Wireless Backbone Building a network of inter-connected microwave dishes for increased access

8 Neighborhood Deployment Neighborhood associations, property owners and residents can connect every home in a local area.

9 Multi-family Properties Low cost wireless networks bring in-home Internet to public housing and Section 8 properties.

10 Public Access Computer Centers Until everyone has Internet access in their own homes, we are developing places they can go to get online.

11 Free Wi-Fi in Public Spaces We are working to create hotspots in strategic locations in the city

12 High Quality Refurbished PCs A Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, we provide donated used computers at a low cost to under resourced families and job seekers

13 Digital Life Skills Training We re helping people to become productive Internet users with special assistance for job seekers.

14 Mobile Computing Lab Digital life skills training at libraries, community centers and other public facilities. Qualified participants get vouchers for $50 refurbished PCs

15 Tech Support for Nonprofits Helping cash-strapped nonprofits with inexpensive reconditioned PC equipment, Wi-Fi, training and IT consulting.

16 Workshop and Training Center 3101 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri: administrative offices, computer refurbishing workshop and classroom.

17 NE Wyandotte Co. Community Technology Center 2006 N 3 rd St., Kansas City, Kansas: 20 PC public access computer lab, Wi-Fi hotspot, regularly scheduled digital literacy classes

18 Rosedale Ridge Story December 14, 2012: free Wi-Fi network at 168 unit, seven building Section 8 complex in Kansas City, KS

19 Rosedale Ridge Before Wi-Fi July survey: 80% of units had no in-home Internet The main reason: they couldn t afford it. Average family income is $10,000 a year Another reason: no computers and can t afford to purchase them Only one teen with a KCK school-issued laptop could connect at home

20 Rosedale Ridge Wi-Fi Impact On the first day we announced the launch of the network, over 20 residents signed up for digital life skills classes and $50 PCs. In the first two months, over 50 took classes. Nearly all were single mothers in their 20s. Over 400 different devices have connected, half of them smartphones 21 MacBooks from four different KCK high schools are connecting regularly

21 Current Activities Free Wi-Fi Internet to over 500 households at three low income housing projects. A number of additional wireless projects are in the planning stages. Collecting and refurbishing used PCs. Conducting training at our Troost Avenue center and using the mobile computing lab. Providing technology support to nonprofits

22 How You Can Get Involved Donate good used PCs We need volunteers: digital life skills trainers and computer refurbishers Tell your friends Stay connected online Consider a financial investment

23 Contact Information Michael Liimatta, President 3101 Troost Avenue Kansas City MO Phone: (816)