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 AffordableInternet 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 PC75% over 50 years old80% minorities75% income <$20,000 yr.2/3 women1/2 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 HousingWi-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