IL DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE PROGRAM
NOTICE OF GRANT OPPORTUNITY AND WORKSHOPS
FISCAL YEAR 2008
SUMMARY: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announce the release of the Digital Divide Grant Program 2008 application. The immediate goal of the Program is to increase access to computers and technology training in low-income communities. Under this program, the Department is authorized to make grants to support Community Technology Centers. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2008
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS AND COMMUNITIES: The Department seeks applications from Community Technology Centers located in and serving "eligible communities". An eligible community is a community in which not less than 40% of students are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the national school lunch program, or in which not less than 30% of students are eligible for a free lunch under the national school lunch program. Community Technology Centers include public hospitals, libraries, park districts, state educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private nonprofit or for-profit educational organizations. In addition to being an eligible entity, a CTC must provide computer access and educational services to the public at least twelve (12) hours each week. Please refer to the application for complete eligibility requirements.
ELIGIBLE COSTS: The maximum grant award allowed under the Digital Divide Law is $75,000 per Fiscal Year. The Department will fund both equipment and training costs under this program. Funds may be used to provide training services and activities that use technology to improve academic achievement, career development, and adult education. Grant funds may also be used for equipment, software, and other networking capabilities.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the funding application may be obtained via download on the Department's web site at http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Technology/Technology+Grants+Programs/1-Eliminate+the+Digital+Divide.htm. Printed copies of the application are available upon request. Questions and requests pertaining to this program should be directed to John Barr, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, 100 West Randolph Suite 3-400, Chicago, IL 60601, Telephone: (312) 814-2259 or via e-mail john.w.barr@illinois.gov.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Several information sessions will be held to outline the parameters of the application. Attendance is not required but is recommended. The information sessions will be held at the locations and times listed below. The information sessions are open to the public and reservations are not required. Please note that photo identification may be required by building security.
January 18, 2008
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Michael A. Bilandic Building
160 North LaSalle Street
5th Floor Auditorium – C500
Chicago, Illinois
January 23, 2008
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
DCEO Springfield
620 East Adams Street
1st Floor Theatre
Springfield, Illinois
January 25, 2008
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
DMI
5090 West Harrison
Chicago, Illinois
January 28, 2008
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rufino Tamayo School
5135 S. California
Chicago, Illinois
February 1, 2008
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Will County Government Office
302 N. Chicago Street, 2nd Floor
Joliet, Illinois
CPS TechCrew
What is it?
TechCrew is designed to enrich students’ educational experience and job readiness skills. This is accomplished by providing students with a TechCrew coordinator and the training and framework necessary to carry out basic computer problem resolution within the confines of their school.
What is the turnaround time? Are there any other parameters?
TechCrew requires principals or technology coordinators to participate in an information session. If the school decides to participate, the designated TechCrew coordinator(s) must also participate in a training session. Upon completion of the training session and recruitment of student participants, TechCrew will be operational.
How do I request service?
To request information about TechCrew or to register for an information session, contact Victor Herrera at TechCrew@cps.k12.il.us.
What is the cost?
No, there is no cost for this service. However, the school is responsible for the TechCrew coordinator stipend.
What curriculum do the students use ? How do I recruit students?
TechCrew is designed to enrich students’ educational experience and job readiness skills. This is accomplished by providing students with a TechCrew coordinator and the training and framework necessary to carry out basic computer problem resolution within the confines of their school.
What is the turnaround time? Are there any other parameters?
TechCrew requires principals or technology coordinators to participate in an information session. If the school decides to participate, the designated TechCrew coordinator(s) must also participate in a training session. Upon completion of the training session and recruitment of student participants, TechCrew will be operational.
How do I request service?
To request information about TechCrew or to register for an information session, contact Victor Herrera at TechCrew@cps.k12.il.us.
What is the cost?
No, there is no cost for this service. However, the school is responsible for the TechCrew coordinator stipend.
What curriculum do the students use ? How do I recruit students?
TechCrew Impact
TechCrew Inspires: “The experience you gain from being part of TechCrew is immeasurable. TechCrew helped me to find my passion for technology.”
-Gabino Noriega, Former TechCrew Participant
TechCrew Helps Educators: “TechCrew helps out students academically and has allowed students to assume leadership roles and to gain confidence through their experience.”
-Brian Surina, TechCrew Coordinator, Phoenix Military Academy
TechCrew Saves Money: “TechCrew is a positive experience for the school and the students because the students achieve the skills necessary to perform in this field while the school is able to allocate funding to other educational programs.”
-Joellen-Zielazinski, Budget Manager, Kelly High School
TechCrew Increases Attendance: “We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen TechCrew have a positive impact in these areas.”
-Victor Herrera, Student Technology Services Manger
TechCrew Improves Performance: “Twenty-first century technology is a shopisticted, cutting edge, and ever changing industry. We want our students to be at the forefront of that industry, and TechCrew is a good place for them to start.”
-Arshele C. Stevens, Chief Information Officer
-Gabino Noriega, Former TechCrew Participant
TechCrew Helps Educators: “TechCrew helps out students academically and has allowed students to assume leadership roles and to gain confidence through their experience.”
-Brian Surina, TechCrew Coordinator, Phoenix Military Academy
TechCrew Saves Money: “TechCrew is a positive experience for the school and the students because the students achieve the skills necessary to perform in this field while the school is able to allocate funding to other educational programs.”
-Joellen-Zielazinski, Budget Manager, Kelly High School
TechCrew Increases Attendance: “We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen TechCrew have a positive impact in these areas.”
-Victor Herrera, Student Technology Services Manger
TechCrew Improves Performance: “Twenty-first century technology is a shopisticted, cutting edge, and ever changing industry. We want our students to be at the forefront of that industry, and TechCrew is a good place for them to start.”
-Arshele C. Stevens, Chief Information Officer
TechCrew Spotlight
Geek Squad Summer Academy
"Geek Squad"
Paula Gómez, Univision Television Group
CHICAGO, Hay un curso en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago que convierte a los estudiantes en expertos en tecnología. Los agentes del Geek Squad se auto describen como “un escuadrón de gente medio excéntrica”. Ellos se dedican a arreglar computadoras y cualquier aparato electrónico. ¿Qué tienen que ver estos expertos con la educación? Ellos son los maestros que se dedican a impartir un curso especial de verano sobre tecnología en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS) llamado Geek Squad Summer Academy. El enfoque del programa es despertar entre los jóvenes la pasión por la tecnología con la esperanza de que muchos escojan incursionar en una carrera en este campo. El curso dura tan sólo una semana pero eso es tiempo suficiente, según los organizadores, para enseñarle a los jóvenes cómo armar y desarmar una computadora. Los estudiantes también aprenden cómo crear sus propias páginas en la Internet y aprenden entre otras lecciones a proteger sus datos personales al usar la tecnología. El cupo para participar en el programa actualmente es limitado pero representantes de CPS esperan expandirlo con el tiempo. Si deseas más información sobre Geek Squad Summer Academy puedes visitar la página de Internet www.gssummeracademy.com
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