1. Lawndale Wireless Community Network
Connecting a Community
December 8, 2018

2. Project Background
Leveraged infrastructure from the wireless community network initially created by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in Chicago’s North Lawndale community
Secured multi-year, expansion funding in 2006 from Motorola Foundation
Engaged community stakeholders (residents & organizations) to launch the wireless network
Year One produced a Digital Inclusion Blueprint and Work Plan
15 partners formed the Lawndale Wireless Community Network (LWCN) Steering Committee
December 8, 2018

3. Project Partners
Digital Divide Development & Oversight Committee (DDDOC)
Homan Square Community Center
Kellman Elementary School
Lawndale Local Business Development Corporation (LCBDC)
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC)
Lumity
Men for a Better Lawndale
Neighborhood Technology Resource Center (NTRC)
North Lawndale College Preparatory High School
North Lawndale Community News
North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN)
One Economy Corporation
YMEN
December 8, 2018

4. Project Vision
The vision for the Lawndale Wireless Community Network (LWCN) is that every citizen will have free and/or affordable access to high-speed Internet access to become active producers and wiser consumers of online content. Moreover, every citizen – especially school age children and their families will have access to a vibrant wireless network, dependable hardware, creative training and robust online content to ensure that they optimally engaged in the new digital economy.
December 8, 2018

5. Project Goals The project goals are as follows:
North Lawndale will have a vibrant and ubiquitous community wireless network;
North Lawndale residents will have access to affordable computer purchase programs that accelerate resident acquisition of hardware;
North Lawndale youth will have access to technology at their local schools and in their home;
North Lawndale residents will be actively engaged in the creation, maintenance and support of robust local content and work alongside service providers and businesses to develop a unique web property for the network;
North Lawndale residents will have access to free, local computer training to facilitate their comfort and participation on the wireless network; and,
North Lawndale youth will be engaged as technology ambassadors and promoters to increase adoption rates and ensure ease of use.
December 8, 2018

6. Project Deliverables Create a Vibrant and Ubiquitous Community Network
Targets - 2,000 resident users; 100 businesses; 8 wireless hot spots
Estimated $100K equipment donation by Motorola & resident network training
Expand Computer Ownership among Lawndale Residents
Targets new computers; 500 refurbished computers; 100 lap tops available to students for in school and at home access
314 refurbished distributed to date; 200 lap tops for elementary students ready for in home use
December 8, 2018

7. Project Deliverables Create Robust, Citizen Generated Online Content
Targets:
7,500 visitors to the North Lawndale Community Beehive ( an online resource that facilitates connections to employment, health care, educational, family resources and local events
3,500 visitors to the North Lawndale 247 Town Hall ( an online civic engagement tool to promote resident dialogue on emerging issues & concerns
Engagement of adults and youth in civic journalism program to promote content development & ownership
Youth completed civic journalism workshop
December 8, 2018

8. Project Deliverables
Provide Standard Local Training Opportunities for Residents, Small Businesses and Community Based Organizations
Targets:
Production of the franchise training model – “Certified CTCs”
Certification of 50 ex-offenders in A+ to scale computer refurbishment program
Creation of a “Lawndale Digital Resource” map to identify locations for training, computers and public Internet access
Distribution of Google Ad Words to Small Businesses
December 8, 2018

9. Project Deliverables Engaging Youth as Digital Connectors
The Digital Connectors program is a best practice youth development model that combines leadership development, digital education and community service.
Coordinated with After School Matters Youth Apprenticeship/Employment program through partners
Targets:
Two chapters established in North Lawndale; two chapters to be created before 2009 (total = 100 Lawndale Digital Connectors) – YTD = 50
2,000 community service hours completed by Lawndale Digital Connectors to date – YTD = 750
Sponsorship of the 247 Town Hall, North Lawndale Youth Speak! Series
1st one scheduled Wed., March North Lawndale College Prep, from 5pm – 7pm
December 8, 2018

10. Other Project Elements
Aggressive community marketing campaign and local resources
Customer service model / “help desk” support operations for users
Business plan to support community maintenance of Lawndale Wireless Community Network
December 8, 2018

11. More Information Contact: Michell Morton, Program Director
One Economy Corporation
247 South State, Suite 1320
Chicago, IL
(fax)
December 8, 2018