Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Please note that the deadline for submitting an application for the 2012-13 grant cycle has passed. Applications for next year's grant program will be available later this year.

DESCRIPTION

The Eliminate the Digital Divide grant program seeks to provide access to computers, telecommunications technologies and related training to disadvantaged communities. Under this program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is authorized to award grants of up to $75,000 to plan, establish, administer and expand Community Technology Centers (CTC’s) and to support basic computer literacy training programs.

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DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION : Please note the application for the 2012-2013 grant cycle has passed. *See below for more resources about completing the application.

DOWNLOAD NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH STATISTICS

Digital Divide Elimination Advisory Committee

Upcoming Meeting Notice:

Digital Divide Elimination Advisory Committee
James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph
St. Ste. 3-400 Chicago, IL 60601
10:00 am – 12:00 noon March 28, 2013
Digital Divide Meeting Agenda March 2013

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
DCEO seeks applications from Community Technology Centers located in and serving communities where:

1) Not less than 40 percent of students are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Statistics; or

2) Not less than 30 percent of students are eligible for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Statistics.

DOWNLOAD the National School Lunch Statistics to see if your community is eligible.

Community Technology Centers include public hospitals, libraries, park districts, state educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public and private nonprofit or for-profit educational organizations. Additionally, a CTC must provide at least twelve (12) hours of general computer access and basic computer literacy training services to the public each week.

Please see the application for complete eligibility requirements.

ELIGIBLE COSTS
The maximum grant award under the Digital Divide Law is $75,000 per CTC. Funds may be used to provide training services and activities that use technology to improve academic achievement, career development and adult education. Grant funds may also be used for equipment, software and other capacity building costs.

Please see the application for complete details about eligible expenditures under this grant program.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS

PROGRAM INFORMATION

WATCH THE INFO SESSION Watch this online webinar from February 24th and follow along as DCEO staff walks you through the application process.

HELP SUPPORT THE DIGITAL DIVIDE PROGRAM
DCEO accepts contributions from individuals, companies,and foundations to support the Eliminate the Digital Divide grant program. Local telecommunication exchange carriers may also collect voluntary contributions from customers.

CLICK HERE for more information about LEC Collection and Remittance

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Irma Lopez
Grant Manager
irma.lopez@illinois.gov