Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Program Draft: January 26, 2007, Milwaukee Department of Administration

Mayor Tom Barrett’s Vision for Digital Inclusion In creating the Milwaukee Wireless Initiative, Mayor Tom Barrett directed that a program be developed and structured to provide opportunities for ALL Milwaukee citizens to participate in the digital society. The goal is universal and affordable access to the benefits of technology for all segments of our community.

What is Digital Inclusion? Every Milwaukee resident deserves access to the social, civic, educational and economic opportunities the Internet provides.

Digital Inclusion Asks: What social and political barriers to technology access and literacy exist? How does technology affect human rights, civic participation, and social inclusion? How does technology impact economic development?

A Nation Online? 68% of Americans use the Internet 79% of Whites 57% of African-Americans 38% of Americans with disabilities 37% of Hispanics 29% of non-high school graduates 26% age 60 and older “Digital Divisions”, Report of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, October 2005

Persistent Barriers Include: Limited technology literacy skills Anxiety and fear of technology tools Limited education and literacy levels Language and accessibility barriers Irrelevant content Availability of affordable Internet access Cost of entry (hardware and software)

Technology Literacy Is… The ability to responsibly, creatively, and effectively use appropriate technology to: Communicate Access, collect, manage, evaluate information Solve problems and create solutions Build and share knowledge Improve and enhance learning in all subject areas and experiences

Is Internet Access Critical? Job listings and applications E-Government services Register and choose schools Communicate with teachers, elected officials and others Online learning Financial services Health care information Social inclusion and civic engagement

Milwaukee “Digitial Divide” Indicators Estimated that less than 20% of households in central city have home computers Overall unemployment rate of 12.7%, with 3-5% higher rate for African-Americans High school graduation rates around 60% 25-30% of population at or under the poverty rate 84% of public school students eligible for free lunch at school 2nd in nation in teen pregnancy rates

Digital Inclusion Requires: Computers (hardware & software) Access (to the Internet) Content (relevant to target audience) Training (initial) Support (ongoing)

Computers (hardware & software) Work with vendors to secure low-cost alternatives for the Milwaukee Initiative Work with local companies to get good used computers donated Work with local refurbishers/recyclers to renovate used computers Develop distribution methods

Access (to the Internet) Internet Service Providers charge for access accounts But… “walled garden” provides free access to 60 web sites in the wireless network Some service providers may offer free advertising-based Internet accounts Competition will help to keep prices low

Content (relevant to target audience) “Walled garden” provides relevant content Mayor appoints board to designate sites Sites should focus on resources for economic, educational, civic success and engagement Other options being explored (Beehive)

Training (initial) Target audience must be taught how to effectively use the technology Engage local training resources Students may be an excellent resource Community technology centers Libraries (City libraries provide free computer access and training)

Support (ongoing) Help residents become comfortable with using technology by providing adequate support to work through technical glitches and problems Engage local resources, perhaps from same sources as training

Community Input Community meetings/ listening sessions Surveys Understand existing technology needs Examine community-based strategies that meet these needs Work through the Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Action Team to review and prioritize community needs and approaches

Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Action Team Members Education Libraries Non-Profits Corporate Government Community Local employers and businesses

Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Action Team Mission The Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Program will extend the benefits of technology – hardware, software, wireless access, relevant content, training and support – to underserved segments and areas of the community. The goal is universal and affordable access to the benefits of technology. Through the provision of an integrated group of services, citizens will learn to use technology to expand their opportunities and improve their lives. This will in turn improve the local economy, help transform neighborhoods and positively impact civic engagement and public safety.

Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Pilot Project AT&T “Access All” grant project Provides two years free DSL access for selected households Provided through One Economy Need to provide computers and training and support Content would be provided through the Beehive from One Economy

“Equal access to technology is the civil rights issue of the 21st century.”