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Digital Divide Council Unveils New
Statewide ~$1 Million in Grants Announced to Continue Efforts to Bridge The Digital Divide~ TALLAHASSEE- Florida's effort to sustain a focus on the Digital Divide-- the gap between those who have access to computers and Internet technology and those who do not-- was highlighted today with the formation of a new statewide clearinghouse. Nearly $1 million in funding was announced to sustain Digital Divide and PowerUP programs that have been implemented under the administration of Governor Jeb Bush. "In the past three years, we have focused on starting and funding programs to help families in Florida who do not have access to computers," said Governor Bush. "Technology provides knowledge and it is important that all Floridians have reasonable access to the world and wonders of computers and the Internet. Today, we are proud to take the steps needed to create a Statewide Digital Divide Clearinghouse and to announce new funds to sustain the programs we have already begun." The purpose of the Digital Divide Council Clearinghouse is to serve as a comprehensive resource tool for identifying digital divide efforts in the state of Florida and best practices in other states. Public and private sector businesses, community organizations, government agencies, schools and colleges can then replicate the ideas and solutions that have been proven successful. The Clearinghouse will also help facilitate the donation and receipt of computers toward this effort. The Clearinghouse can be accessed at www.digitaldividecouncil.com or www.digitaldividecouncil.org. In addition, the Digital Divide Council announced the grant recipients of its FY 2002-2003 pilot grant project titled Florida's Digital Divide Workforce Resources & Programs (WRAP). The primary intent of these funds is to sustain existing Digital Divide programs by providing wrap-around services to existing computer labs and programs. This grant program seeks to provide funding to the local workforce development boards that serve the pilot project regions identified by the Council. A total of $450,000 was awarded by the Legislature effective July 1, 2002, with each region receiving $75,000 dollars for their pilot project area. Grants were awarded to the following Workforce Boards:
Tallahassee, Florida - Bigbend Jobs and Education Council "We are thrilled to receive funding to continue to assist and educate children in technology," said Clemmie Perry, director of PowerUP with Martin Memorial AME Church. "I appreciate the efforts of both FAMU and the Governor's Office to provide a team effort for our youth. Working together, ordinary people can perform extraordinary deeds." Martin Memorial will use funding received for such education as teaching classes on web design using Microsoft Front Page to third through eighth grade students enrolled in the after-school program. The site will also continue classes on other Microsoft applications for youth, as well as beginning a partnership with Miami-Dade Community College and Cisco to train youth and adults to be network certified. In addition to classes, the site will participate in Black Family Awareness Technology Week in February, conducting workshops and showing displays of the childrens' work in the center. PowerUP Florida consists of 23 state-funded programs and 42 programs funded through public and private partnerships. All 65 PowerUP Florida sites were eligible for nearly $500,000 in funding announced in October of this year. Programs able to take advantage of this grant opportunity will be expected to consider other resources for funding throughout the program year. The Digital Divide Council was created by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature in July 2001. The Council's mission is to promote that all Floridians have reasonable opportunities to access and training needed to develop the knowledge and skills required to use information technology to enhance their quality of life. The Council has been committed to the establishment of a statewide Digital Divide Council Clearinghouse (DDCC), six pilot projects to provide opportunities for computer education and training, Internet access, and a statewide outreach and marketing strategy. A list of grant recipients for PowerUP Florida may viewed at www.flamentoring.org. More information on the digital divide is available online at www.digitaldivide.org. PowerUP Florida Grant Awardees, December 2002
*denotes funding received through Florida A&M University -- All information taken from http://www.digitaldividecouncil.com
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