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

CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced more than $175,000 in innovative technology grants through his Opportunity Returns program that will allow hundreds of Southeast 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 the region the chance to learn more and get ahead.  This investment will give dedicated local organizations the opportunity to help hundreds of people do better in school or on their jobs so they can build better lives,” Gov. Blagojevich said.   

The more than $175,000 in funding will go to six community technology centers across the Southeast region.   Those grant recipients are:

Grantee Name/Contact	Location	Amount
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Terry Bruce (618/393.2982)	Fairfield	$43,208
St. Elmo Public Library District Terri Gillespie (618/829.5544)	St. Elmo	$7,500
Ramsey Community Unit School  Chuck Stortzum (618/423.2335)	Ramsey	$45,000
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois Kathy Young (217/333.2187)	Centralia	$35,000
Kaskaskia College James Underwood (618/545.3380)	Centralia	$32,500
Helen Matthes Library Amanda Stranderfer (217/342.2464)	Effingham	$12,392

“Our world is changing literally every day.  As technology continues to evolve, we must make sure nobody is left behind because they don’t have the skills to compete for good jobs. With these important grants, Kaskaskia College and the University of Illinois can continue bridging the digital divide,” State Representative Kurt Granberg (D-Centralia) said.

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.

“These grants are a tremendous community resource because they are providing training in critical technology skills that will give many people the tools they need to pursue advanced education today and better job opportunities tomorrow.  In doing so, Gov. Blagojevich is helping build a stronger and more dynamic workforce in Southeast Illinois,” 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 companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.