‘Eliminate the Digital Divide’ Grants Will Prepare Workers for Better Jobs

CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the awarding of nearly $175,000 in innovative technology grants through his Opportunity Returns program that will allow hundreds of Central Illinois residents to receive critical training in technology literacy.  The grant program, known as Eliminate the Digital Divide, provides funding to local community technology centers in low-income communities to provide technology skills training and access to computers and the Internet.  Since technology literacy today is a necessity to competing for and succeeding in well-paying jobs, this program teaches essential skills to people whom often lack access to important educational opportunities that will help prepare them for a 21st Century job.

“Expanding access to the Internet and technology goes hand-in-hand with giving children and working people all across Illinois the chance to learn more and get ahead.  The grants we're announcing today will give dedicated local organizations in Decatur and Springfield the opportunity to help hundreds of people do better in school or in their jobs,” Gov. Blagojevich said.    

The nearly $175,000 in grant funding will go to four community technology centers in Central Illinois.  Those grant recipients are:

Grantee Name/Contact                                  Location                        Amount

Win With A Positive Direction                        Decatur                        $42,303
Margaret Walker (217) 875-4351
                                                       
Springfield Urban League, Inc.                      Springfield                        $46,010
Mary Simmons (217) 789-0830

Boys and Girls Club of Springfield                Springfield                        $40,575
Kristin Allen (217) 544-0548

Lincoln Land Community College                Springfield                        $44,000
Sylvia Stemmons (217) 535-3342                
                                                               
In addition to providing basic skills training needed to access and utilize computers and the Internet, a variety of technology access activities can be provided by the grant recipient including:

Vocational skills training related to information technology occupations;

Access to career information, employment opportunities, and related Internet job searches;

Computerized instruction in basic literacy skills, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language instruction, including distance-learning options;  

Professional development opportunities related to technology for teachers;

Computer based before and after school programs for academic enrichment and reinforcement; and

Promotion of home access to computers.

"Computer proficiency has become a virtual requirement for high school and college students to keep up with class teachings and to obtain good paying jobs," said State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mount Zion).  "This crucial funding will help students in our area learn the skills they need in a competitive job market."

“Gov. Blagojevich and I believe that those who do not have accessibility to the Internet or computer learning are at a fundamental disadvantage when it comes to obtaining important information and services that would put them on a more level playing field with their peers.  Teaching technology literacy skills gives people a major tool they need to compete and succeed in today’s economy, and these grants will act as a tremendous resource in our community,” Springfield Mayor Timothy Davlin said.

“A decade into the movement, current programs to bridge the digital divide have made some inroads addressing this serious problem, but a significant portion of the population remains isolated from information technologies and their associated economic benefits.  The Eliminate the Digital Divide program is really a creative response by Gov. Blagojevich to the demands of the labor market,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said.          
       
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history.  Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges.  Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses.  It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs.  Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with