Eliminate the Digital Divide Program

 The 2014-15 Eliminate the Digital Divide Grant application has been released. Applications are due March 14, 2014. All aspects of this program are administered by IL DCEO. 

(See more information by visiting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's page directly.)

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.

• http://www.illinois.net/IBOP/IBOP.htm
• http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/gigabit/Pages/default.aspx

     

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION: Applications must be received by the DCEO by 5:00 p.m., March 14, 2014.  Please note that the conditions for submittal of applications, including the deadline, may not be waived or extended regardless of weather conditions or other circumstances that may delay delivery of your proposal.  Allow sufficient time for the delivery.  Any application received after the deadline may be considered for review at the discretion of the DCEO.  In such cases, the DCEO will determine if there are funds available to make additional grant awards.    

* See below for more resources about completing the application.      

DOWNLOAD NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH STATISTICS

Digital Divide Meeting Agenda - January 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 

 

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