BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN KANSAS CITY Internet

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN KANSAS CITY

Internet Benefits Low Income Families § § § § Increased educational success at all levels Online jobs search and career development Access to social services and health information Cost-saving advantages of online shopping Search for vehicles and safe, affordable housing Connect with family and friends Assistance on the path to integration and citizenship

Reasons for Not Getting Online § #1 is Cost – Biggest expense is a owning a computer. § #2 is Intimidation – Not knowing how to use the PC and the Internet. Where do they go to learn these skills? § #3 is Relevancy – Not knowing what can be done online and how it applies to their lives. § #4 is Affordable Service – However, if people have overcome 1 -3 they will find a way to get connected!

Digital Divide in Metro Kansas City § 50% in Kansas City KS don’t have Internet in their homes. #7 least connected large city in America (2013 US Census) § 80% of households in low income, minority neighborhoods do not own computers or have static Internet connections § 70% of Kansas City Public Schools students have no Internet at home. 40% move during the school year. § 78% of low income families reside in multi-family subsidized housing facilities

Four Pronged Solution § Inexpensive Refurbished Computer Equipment § Digital Life Skills Training § Free and Affordable Internet Connectivity § Public Access PC Labs/ Community Technology Centers

Computer Reuse vs. Recycling

Where Refurbished Computers are Going • Since March 2013, CFG has produced over 2, 000 refurbished computers. • Most went to neighborhoods where just 1 in 5 households owned computers • $75 desktops, $150 laptops

Free Digital Life Skills Classes § § § Email use Search engine use Health/medical info Government services Job applications § § § Social networking Video watch/download Online shopping Banking online Online Learning

Who Did We Reach with Free Classes? 2014: 2, 106 students in 244 sessions at ten sites 25% never used a PC 75% over 50 years old 80% minorities 75% income <$20, 000 yr. 2/3 women 1/2 child in their homes

Community Technology Centers Partnership with Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority provides 20 -seat public access computer center open daily with free classes Goal: anchor centers throughout the city

Wireless Connectivity at Public Housing Wi-Fi mesh networks bring free in-home Internet to 500 families at three public housing and Section 8 facilities.

Opportunity of Multi-family Properties 78% of low income families in multi-family subsidized housing Free Internet access for them is yields the highest impact Must include training and affordable computers