GOVERNOR IMPROVES TECHNOLOGY LITERACY IN ROCKFORD

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today that Rockford will receive three technology grants as part of his Opportunity Returns plan for creating jobs throughout the Northern Stateline region.  These grants, known as the Eliminate the Digital Divide program, 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 employees will need to succeed in today's high-tech workplace.

 

"Jobs that involve computers pay an average of 40% or more than jobs that do not," Governor Blagojevich said.  "Those who do not have accessibility to the Internet or computer learning are at a fundamental disadvantage when it comes to obtaining important information and services that would put them on a more level playing field with their peers.  Teaching technology literacy skills gives people the tools they need to compete in today's economy.  This is an essential first step toward creating a highly skilled workforce and strengthening the local economy."

 

The Rockford Public Library will receive a $36,000 grant.  The library will provide more than 550 free public classes on basic computer skills training up to 1,700 people.  Rockford residents will also enjoy free access to computers with Internet access at any time during library hours.  This grant will benefit all Rockford residents, especially the more than 20,000 who live below the poverty line and are less likely to have a computer at home.

 

The Northwest Community Center, in partnership with Rock Valley College, will receive $33,000 for the expansion of their community technology center.  The center will now serve low-income residents in the 61101 and 61102 zip codes.  Rock Valley College will provide basic computer, Internet, and advanced job-training skills instruction to 65 at-risk youth and 50 adults.  Public access will be provided to more than 16,000 residents.

 

The Promised Land Employment Service, a not-for-profit education organization, will receive a $24,000 grant.  These funds will be used to provide critical skills technology training to low income, unemployed and/or underemployed homeless individuals, as well as other economically disadvantaged residents.

 

• 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
• Promotion of home access to computers