North Texas Rural Network Community Technology Centers

Description

In order to help low-income rural individuals, in North Texas, break the poverty cycle and bridge the 'digital divide" the North Texas Rural Network Community Technology Centers program has been established. North Central Texas College leads a team of the following community partners: universities, K-12 independent school districts (ISDs), business and industry, low-income service and training providers, libraries, city and county economic development boards, internet and telecommunication service providers, Texas Workforce Development Boards, probation departments, outreach services and community members. The NTRN-CTCs provide access to computers and technology, particularly educational technology, to adults and children in low-income communities who otherwise would lack the access. The following goals will be accomplished through the efforts of the Community Technology Centers partnership: Goal 1 - Expand partnerships with community organizations and agencies to establish Community Technology Centers to provide access to computers and technology to adults and children in low-income communities. Goal 2 - Develop a model project that demonstrates the educational effectiveness of technology. Goal 3 - Expand access to information technology and related services in economically distressed rural communities Goal 4 - To analyze and evaluate CTC outcomes and effectiveness to determine the success of the project. The NTRN-CTC offers after-school activities, adult education and family literacy programs, career development and job preparation training, small business development activities, and assist participants in gaining home access.