Time Warner Cable and the League of United Latin American Citizens are working to expand broadband Internet technology training to underserved Latino communities.
A three-year, $200,000 grant by Time Warner Cable will support technology centers that provide training, technology and support services in Latino communities served by the company.
The centers will receive desktop computers, laser printers, high-speed Internet access, LCD projectors and technology curriculums.
The centers -- located in San Antonio, Texas; Kansas City, Mo. (existing); Waukesha, Wisc. (existing); Charlotte, N.C., and Cincinnati, Ohio -- were selected by a national grant competition based on each site's competitive progress, its level of need to better serve the local community and its innovative application of technology.
The five centers will become a part of LULAC's Empower Hispanic America with Technology Network that currently provides broadband access free of charge to 100,000 visitors annually.
"LULAC is delighted with the tremendous support and partnership developed with Time Warner Cable to bring the latest technologies to the Hispanic community," LULAC national president Rosa Rosales said in a statement. "Studies have show time and time again that those with access to technology resources fare better in life than those that do not. With this funding, we will be able to provide to those who are in most need of these services."
LULAC community technology centers provide access to and instruction on modern computer technology in addition to assistance with résumés, college application preparation, GED preparation, financial aid research, and online citizenship and job-search programs.
Program participants use high speed Internet access, computer equipment and basic office applications software to develop job skills, research career options, educational opportunities, and access money management, English language, and online citizenship curriculum.
Clients served are low-income and/or first-generation American Hispanic youth and adults, the majority of whom have never used a personal computer and do not have one at home.
Empower Hispanic America with Technology is aimed directly at closing the digital divide and combating these inequities by giving Hispanics the necessary skills to compete in today's technology-driven workplaces.
"This partnership deepens our relationship with the communities we serve by bringing them the essential benefits of technology while fulfilling Time Warner Cable's commitment to engage young people to participate in our program to Connect A Million Minds, designed to inspire students to pursue learning opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields," Fernando Laguarda, VP of external affairs & policy counselor at Time Warner Cable, said in a statement.
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