Mayor Greg Nickels announced this week that the city will award $104,000 in Technology Matching Funds for 13 community projects aimed at helping close the digital divide. The Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund (TMF) projects will provide education, employment training, survival assistance, civic lessons and leadership training through non-profit organizations across Seattle.

"Technology can be a powerful tool for building strong communities and creating opportunities for people and neighborhoods to thrive," Nickels said. "These grants will help some of our neediest residents get the skills and resources they need to reach their goals."

While access to technology has increased for many, studies still show a gap in access and literacy skills that are essential for obtaining meaningful education, employment, civic participation, and essential online services. These projects will provide education and new opportunities for a wide range of technologically-under served residents, including youth, seniors, disabled residents, immigrants and refugees. The organizations awarded TMF funding will match the city's dollars with approximately $301,580 in community contributions, including volunteer labor, professional services and donated equipment and software.

The City Council's Energy and Technology Committee will review the grants at its meeting on June 28, 2006. The proposed projects were selected from 26 applications submitted for the city's 2006 Technology Matching Fund program. The Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) reviewed the projects and recommended 13 for funding.
KW