(2006)
The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) established pilot projects in the Chicagoland area to deliver very low-cost, high-speed broadband access to homes, small businesses, and community-based institutions. This report describes the process of creating and implementing a wireless network in four unique community settings and the impact of the wireless network upon the anchor/partner organization and community residents (end-users). In addition, the research data was used to help create a business model for sustaining the wireless network.
Download Report Transforming Vision into Action: An Evaluation of the Wireless Community Nework
View Project Page
(2005)
In an effort to bridge the digital divide, 76 organizations throughout the state of Illinois received Illinois Community Technology Fund (ICTF) grants between the years of 2000 and 2001 to provide technology services to Illinois residents representing a broad spectrum of ages and populations. After the disbursement of the grants, CURL was invited to collaborate with ICTF to evaluate the effectiveness of the grants.
Download Report Success and Challenges Among Community Technology Programs in Illinois
Download Policy Brief Beyond Bridging the Divide: The Case for Integrating Technology in Our Communities
View Project Page
(1999)
The Policy Research Action Group (PRAG), a now retired portion of CURL, established the Community Access to Technology Working Group to explore community access and training with regards to technology in the context of universal access within the City of Chicago. Additionally, the group sought to find out how technology resources are distributed in Chicago with particular emphasis on access at community centers, schools and libraries. The group’s final report outlines the numbers and findings of the availability of technology across the city.
Download Final Report Inroads to Technology: Evening the Playing Field for the 21st Century
View Project Page