Due to the storm that will be rolling in tomorrow, the DigitalESL meeting will be canceled. I apologize for the inconvenience and please check the website soon for the re-scheduled date. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth (eandreja@uiuc.edu) or Paul (padams@uiuc.edu).

The Next meeting will February 26th, 6:30 p.m. at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in East Saint Louis. please email Elizabeth with any agenda itmes you would like added. eandreja@uiuc.edu

I. DCEO funding: requests for applications due 2/15/2008.
a. Allocations from the government are for five million.
b. Half will be available during this request, the second half available in six months.
c. The state grant has a cap of 10% on administration overhead and maximum for grants was raised to $75,000.
d. Consortiums and partnerships encouraged. Successful grant collaboration last term was between Prairienet, Community Concepts, and Computer Village.

First Digital ESL meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 29th 2008 at 6 p.m. . It will be at the Morning Star Baptist Church located at 5801 State street, in East St. Louis. For questions contact Elizabeth Andrejasich at eandreja@uiuc.edu.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has re-instated funding to the digital divide program. Join us Tuesday for tips and support in applying government funds as well as other agenda items.

grant applications are due by Feb. 15th. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Technology/Technology+Grants+Programs/1-Eliminate+the+Digital+Divide.htm

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