[rtpnet-tact] [Fwd: [DDN] Children, the Digital Divide and Federal Policy]

[Judy Hallman]

Michael Rulison wrote:

> I'd like to register some reservations. I am greatly in favor of the 
> internet and access thereto. But I suspect that parental attitudes 
> toward and involvement with education for their children is the most 
> important variable in children's development.

Mike,

Most forms for grant proposals or other requests for assistance ask for
a statement of need, including statistics. I think this report can be
useful in that area. For example. The RTPnet application for VISTAs
starts with the following:

 > 1.   State in measurable and quantifiable terms the specific 
problem(s) the AmeriCorps*VISTA project will address, including the 
number of low-income people directly affected by the problem.  Use 
current statistical data, citing source wherever possible, to 
substantiate the problem.
 >
 >  According to The Children's Partnership 
(www.childrenspartnership.org/youngamericans/statefacts_nc.html):
 >
 >     * 50% of North Carolina's households do not own a computer and 
56% do not have Internet access (national average is 43% and 49%, 
respectively)
 >
 >     * 81% of households in North Carolina earning less than $15,000 
per year do not own a computer and 85% do not use the Internet at home 
(national average is 77% and 82%, respectively).

Judy