California group launches broadband education program
June 12, 2009
The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) has announced a new program called Get Connected that seeks to help break down the digital divide to provide better access to high-speed internet.
Get Connected offers hands-on, interactive Community Connect Fairs statewide, a multi-lingual web portal for new broadband users and multi-lingual TV and radio commercials in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.
The statewide effort takes aim at disadvantaged and rural communities statewide, as well as low-income Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites without broadband connectivity.
"In Los Angeles alone, a city defined by media, entertainment and innovation, 52 percent of households do not have broadband connections because of disabilities, language barriers, poverty and, in some cases, a simple fear or misunderstanding of technology," said Sunne Wright McPeak, president and CEO of CETF.
For the initial phase of the program in Southern California, a growing coalition of cities, businesses and community and business organizations have announced their support.
CETF's strategic plan to close the digital divide includes civic leader engagement, venture philanthropy grant-making, public policy, public awareness and education and strategic partnerships.
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