Grant opportunities through the Illinois State DCEO Digital Divide Program
Submitted by elizabeth on Tue, 2008-01-15 12:22.
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
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