Connect2Compete Launches National Campaign to Increase Digital Literacy
Published: March 22, 2013
Nonprofit organzation Connect2Compete has announced the launch of a national campaign aimed at increasing digital literacy throughout the nation.
In an official announcement released this week, the agency introduced the "EveroneOn" initiative designed to help all Americans access free digital literacy training programs locally. Connect2Compete also will offer consumers access to programs provid
ing discounted high-speed internet and low-cost computers. “The costs of digital exclusion are rising every day,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in a written statement. “Offline Americans are missing out on opportunities in education, health care and employment. I applaud the EveryoneOn campaign to onboard the millions of Americans on the wrong side of the digital divide and deliver the digital literacy skills required to succeed in today’s economy.”
Connect2Compete has worked with more than 70 partners including the Knight Foundation, the Carlos Slim Foundation, Comcast, Cox Communications, Intel, Monster, Solix and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to aggregate digital skills training opportunities and programs that enable access to low-cost Internet services. Those interested can visit www.Connect2Compete.org to access opportunities.
Low/No-Cost Internet Access
Through partnerships with local Internet providers such as Freedom Pop, Comcast and Cox Communications, Connect2Compete will connect millions of low-income citizens to programs that offer free and low-cost Internet services.
In areas where Freedom Pop offers coverage, the company will extend an offer for a $49 “plug and play” router (equivalent to a 50% discount) and free access to 1 gigabit of wireless internet service, with the option of an additional 12 gigabits of service for $9.99 per month. Free “auto-off” defaults to prevent overages will be included.
In addition, through partnerships with local cable companies such as Comcast and Cox Communications, eligible families will have access to high-speed internet service for $9.95 per month. Cox Communications will offer its program starting in April to free school lunch participants. Its program will also include a free modem and free professional installation.
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is currently available to families who have at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, including public, parochial, private and homeschool students.