The Universal Technology Access Program

The Universal Access Program is designed to eliminate the Digital Divide. 

Program Need

Today, opportunity and success are increasingly tied to technology literacy, especially in the use of telecommunications.  Yet, according to The Children’s Partnership, over 50 million Americans are unable to access or use the online services they need to be successful.  For those in isolated areas, with low income, limited literacy skills, or disabilities, a persistent “access gap” leaves the promise of the Web unfulfilled.  We must close the digital divide!

To promote 21^st Century Literacy Skills and close the Digital Divide, we must provide: 

ü       Universal Access to Telecommunications Hardware

ü       Broadband Access to the World Wide Web

ü       Content Portals to Access Quality Online Content and Coursework

ü       Media Literacy to Promote Safe and Responsible Surfing

Universal Access to Telecommunications Hardware
The ultimate goal of universal access is to truly leave no child behind in terms of computer skills and access to relevant, high quality content. In addition to access to resources, we know that technology in the home also leads to increased abilities and confidence for the student, their siblings, and their parents—resulting in success in school and work.

Broadband Access to the World Wide Web
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a critical role in the economic development and competitiveness of national, regional, and local communities.  The ICT requirement for the future will not be access alone, but broadband access (defined loosely by the federal government as any technology that provides downstream access—from the Internet to the user—at a minimum of 200Kbps.  For K-12 Schools and Libraries, this includes leveraging programs such as E-rate and future telecommunications funds.

Content Portals to Quality Online Content and Coursework
With Broadband Access to the Web, individuals can access content and courseware from the most prestigious K-12 schools and universities in the world.  Providing access to quality content is a major part of a quality education.

Media Literacy to Promote Safe and Responsible Surfing
Twenty-First century literacy skills include the ability to access valuable content while avoiding undesirable content.  Literacy includes learning to avoid unsafe communications and identity theft.  Media literacy is the ability to sift through and analyze the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day. It's the ability to bring critical thinking skills to bear on all media— from music videos and Web environments to product placement in films and virtual displays on NHL hockey boards. It's about asking pertinent questions about what's there, and noticing what's not there. And it's the instinct to question what lies behind media productions— the motives, the money, the values and the ownership— and to be aware of how these factors influence content.