NETSPAN is a project created by ICOD, Inc.  It best demonstrates what collaboration can do to empower communities. In 1999, ICOD, Inc. and Creative Visions Foundation, Inc. entered into agreement in which ICOD, Inc. would prepare a grant application and, if funded, would direct the project's implementation while Creative Visions would act as the fiscal agent.  As a result, at least 14 technology centers have now been established in several churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, Stonehenge Community Center and the East Athens Development Center.

 

 

MISSION:    Expand access to computer technology and demonstrate its educational effectiveness.

STRATEGY:   Capacity-building in families and community-based organizations by providing Technical Assistance, Technology, and Training. Computer technology resources are shared  with community-based organizations that demonstrate the capacity to serve disadvantaged populations.

        

PROGRAMS:  NETSPAN supports the development of After-School Programs, Family and Adult Literacy Programs, Career Development Programs, and Small Business Development initiatives. It offers free program development services, advanced software and hardware systems, and training for personnel in network sites and community-based organizations. It collaborates with business organizations to train current or perspective owners of small businesses to use technology for management and enterprise purposes.

A Technology Bank  maintains tax-deductible new and used resources donated by individuals, families, community-based organizations, and corporate entities.

The Home Access Initiative facilitates the transfer of this computer technology to families and individuals in exchange for dollar hours earned through volunteerism and/or achievement in academics, literacy, career development, or small business enterprise.

OUTCOME:   More people will have the ability to access information and use it to achieve greater self-sufficiency.         

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