‘Eliminate the Digital Divide’ Grants Will Prepare Workers for Better Jobs'
CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that two East Central community organizations have received technology grants totaling nearly $62,000 as part of his Opportunity Returns strategy for spurring the economy and creating jobs throughout the region. These Eliminate the Digital Divide grants, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), fund technology centers in low-income communities in order to provide technology skills training and access to computers and the Internet. This program provides the critical skills that people of all ages need to succeed in today’s high-tech world.
“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 Danville and Champaign the opportunity to help hundreds of people do better in school or in their jobs,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
Grantee Name/Contact Location Amount
Danville Community College Danville $29,579
Randall Fletcher (217) 443-8776
The Urban League of Champaign County Champaign $32,000
William Hawkins (217) 363-3333
"Technology literacy becomes more essential in our society every day. This Eliminate the Digital Dividegrant helps communities in Champaign County address critical needs and helps them build a bridge to a brighter economic future," State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Champaign) said.
“In today’s society, those that do not have access to the Internet or basic computer skills are not only being shut out of a key mechanism of communication, but of the opportunity to compete for quality jobs and a better standard of living as well. I would like to thank the Governor for meeting such a challenge with this worthwhile program," State Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville) said.
In addition to providing basic technology skills training, grant recipients can provide a variety of technology-related services, including:
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
Before and after-school technology programs for students
“As computers and the Internet continue to assume a more dominant role in education, business and society, those who do not have access to this technology nor the skills needed to use them are at an even greater disadvantage than ever before. Through Gov. Blagojevich’s support, the Eliminate the Digital Divide program is making tremendous strides in bridging this technology divide, and, in doing so, playing a vital role in building a more highly-skilled workforce that will spur growth and prosperity throughout the East Central region,” DCEO 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 companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.