NIU gets grant to teach computer skills in Rockford

NIU will be able to provide critical training in technology literacy to hundreds of Rockford residents thanks to a $43,000 grant made to the university through Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns initiative for the Northern Stateline region.

The grant program, known as Eliminate the Digital Divide, provides funding to local community technology centers in low-income communities to provide technology skills training and access to computers and the Internet. Since technology literacy today is a necessity to competing for and succeeding in well-paying jobs, this critical program teaches essential skills to people who often lack access to important educational opportunities that will help prepare them for a 21st century job.

NIU will use the grant money to purchase new computer equipment and furniture, and to pay staff at a community technology center (CTC) located in the Concord Commons Housing Development in Rockford. The equipment will allow the center to offer increased access to computer classes and computer usage for the general public.

Specifically, the staff will train more than 200 adults in basic computer skills and the use of software such as Microsoft Office. The equipment will also allow users to prepare for GED exams, access vocational skills training online, research job opportunities and participate in before-and-after-school academic enrichment programs.

“This grant will allow us to continue the important work that NIU has been participating in in Rockford to help underprivileged women gain the skills they need to break out of the welfare cycle and attain a better life for themselves and their children,” said NIU President John Peters. “We are delighted that the governor recognizes the value of those initiatives and has provided this money to keep those efforts moving forward.”

Northern’s outreach office at the Concord Commons Housing Development is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Outreach Partnership Program (COPC). Through its Center for Governmental Studies, NIU has been working with the women of Concord Commons over the last three years to better understand the effects of welfare reform on families. The programs and services offered through this effort are the result of working with women in the Residents’ Council, Women United for Change and NIU’s chief partner, the Rockford Housing Authority.

Kay Harned, a senior research associate with the Center for Governmental Studies, is the principal investigator overseeing NIU's work at Concord Commons and wrote the grant to secure this latest funding.

Local officials welcomed news of the new funding.

“The Community Technology Center that NIU is working with is providing a critical educational resource. In today’s world, technology literacy is essential to succeeding academically and professionally. Increasing access to this fundamental education will strengthen the caliber of our future workforce and expand opportunity to more people in our community. I’m very pleased that the Governor has included this program as a part of his Opportunity Returns initiative for the Northern Stateline region,” said Rockford Mayor Doug Scott.

The governor said such programs are essential to his goal of revitalizing the stateline area.

“In our efforts to help ensure that all residents of the Northern Stateline region have the ability to compete for well-paying jobs in the 21st century economy, we must provide greater access to technology and its economic benefits. The Eliminate the Digital Divide program is successfully teaching essential skills in computer use and technology literacy. Gaining these skills will increase opportunities to pursue a quality education and better jobs – producing long-term gains that will benefit the individuals, as well as the regional workforce,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

4-19-04