Chicago Receives $9 Million BTOP Grant

WASHINGTON July 30, 2010- The City of Chicago has won the latest Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant for $9 million. The money will be used to upgrade and expand public computing centers across the city.

“The investment will expand and upgrade public computer centers in locations throughout Chicago and provide technology and job assistance training to residents, with a focus on at-risk youth, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the unemployed.”

The money will also be used to add 3,300 workstations at over 150 locations including libraries, workforce centers, public housing sites, and all seven city colleges.

“Technology skills and Internet access are increasingly necessary to finding a job, but many people don’t have the resources to go online,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “This investment will expand computer and broadband access for Chicagoans most in need, helping to make them full participants in today’s digital economy and creating new opportunities for success–both on and offline.”