ABELINC | Grants Research | Chicago State University

ABELINC

Advancing Broadband Equity through Learning Intermediaries in the Neighborhoods of Chicago

Broadband

Description

The Chicago State University (CSU) "Advancing Broadband Equity through Learning Intermediaries in the Neighborhoods of Chicago" (ABELINC) project aims to implement a Community Navigator program to address the digital inequity and exclusion among populations and in anchor communities that have endured historic segregation and disinvestment in Chicago neighborhoods. Full-time Navigators will work with student Navigators to provide digital skills support to key under-served population groups based at Chicago State University and Northeastern Illinois University. With community partners, the full-time Navigators will be trained in and will provide guidance around four key skills to foster household broadband adoption: basic digital literacy, digital conduct, online resources and tools, and Internet subscription/enrollment and device purchase. In addition, the Navigators will help local small businesses develop online commerce literacy. The Navigators will also provide laptops to households in the priority neighborhoods that have only smart phones and mobile plans. Additionally, CSU will upgrade its campus Internet connection.

Funding Agency

NTIA is the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for continued innovation and economic growth.

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