Making an Investment to
Close the Digital Divide
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A lot of attention is being given, lately, to the digital divide between the information technology haves  and have–nots. In an attempt to bridge that chasm, Brown University and MCI WorldCom, with the encouragement of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, have announced a new program that would broaden access for youngsters in IT-deprived learning environments.
The program, "Making a Civic Investment," will be funded — to the tune of $5 million over five years — by MCI WorldCom and administered by Brown. Its goal is to link schools and community organizations around the country with local colleges and universities to implement technology learning projects for children in the K-12 system. Between 25 and 30 multiyear grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded each year.
"Our work will focus on the child, not the computer," says Bernard J. Ebbers, chief executive officer of MCI WorldCom. "Our purpose is to improve learning, not merely to distribute machines or network connections. Here, technology will help kids to learn and live better."
Says Dr. E. Gordon Gee, president of Brown: "The partnership … will provide direct and lasting benefits to communities across the country and will give colleges and universities an important opportunity to advance the public mission of higher education."
The project is also the culmination of efforts by the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to get MCI WorldCom to expand its outreach to minority communities.
"This is an example of the type of commitment our communities need from corporate America," the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the coalition's founder, says. "If we provide our children with the technology to learn, we empower a new generation to compete in our technology-driven world."
Member institutions of the Campus Compact, the Leadership Alliance and all historically Black colleges and universities are eligible to participate. For more information, contact the Campus Contact at (401) 863-1119, or visit the Web site at www.compact.org.