[rtpnet-tact] [CTC-Alert] GREAT NEWS FOR COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY: FULL FY 2003 TOP AND CTC FUNDING! (fwd)

[Judy Hallman]

To TACT list:

I think several people on this list will be interested in this news.

Judy
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 10:17:25 -0500
From: John Zoltner <jzoltner@ctcnet.org>
To: alerts@ctcnet.org
Subject: [CTC-Alert] GREAT NEWS FOR COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY: FULL FY 2003 TOP
    AND CTC FUNDING!

GREAT NEWS FOR COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY: FULL FY 2003 TOP AND CTC FUNDING!

Community Technology Centers Network (CTCNet) is elated to
announce that two major federal programs that support community
technology were both fully funded for Fiscal Year 2003. The
Technology Opportunities Program and Community Technology Center
initiative are two of the most effective and popular federal
programs that support community technology centers nationwide.

MAKE NO MISTAKE: the only reason these programs still exist is
because people like you contacted their elected representatives
to advocate for them. BUT THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER: both programs
have been recommended for termination in the administrations FY
2004 budget. CTCNet will continue to play an active role in
organizing those who care to ensure that TOP, CTC and programs
like them will continue to exist and grow in future years.

Last year, the Digital Empowerment Steering Committee (DESC) was
founded to activate the stakeholders of community technology to
support these programs. The DESC was co-founded by the Leadership
Council on Civil Rights (LCCR), CTCNet, PolicyLink and the
Leadership Conference Education Fund and was managed by LCCR.
CTCNet is currently in discussion with LCCR about assuming
management of the campaign with the help of PolicyLink and other
organizations that support equitable access to technology.

The Technology Opportunities Program (TOP), which is operated by
the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and
Information Administration, has long been known as one of the few
grant sources that would pay the costs of the hardware and
infrastructure required for community organizations to create
innovative, large scale technology projects that benefit society.
In FY 2003, the TOP initiative will be funded at last years rate
of $15.5 Million. Information about past winners and applying for
funds from the TOP initiative can be found at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/top/index.html

The Community Technology Center (CTC) program, a U.S. Department
of Education initiative operated under the Fund to Innovate
Education, has played a major role in establishing locations
where low income Americans can access digital technology and the
Internet in order to build 21st century skills. In FY 2003 the
CTC initiative will also be level-funded at $32 Million.
Information about past winners and applying for funds from the
CTC program can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/AdultEd/CTC/

The FY 2004 budget will be the biggest battle yet to keep the TOP
and CTC programs and many other programs you care about in the
federal budget. CTCNet will keep you informed about how things
are going and what you can do to ensure the future of community
technology funding. When we do contact you, PLEASE do your part
to support these effective federal programs.

___________________________________________________
John Zoltner
Director of Programs and Policy
Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet)
2000 P Street, NW Suite 320
Washington, DC 20036
Tel (202) 415-9848
Email jzoltner@ctcnet.org

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