Feature Story

March 22, 2007

By Jenny Carless, News@Cisco

Technology in homes - like computers with Internet access - can change lives, particularly for low-income families. From using e-mail and checking on the latest news to applying for jobs and doing school homework, Internet access at home helps low-income families improve the quality of their lives and build a bridge to the 21st century, according to recent research.

Connecting U.S. Gulf Coast residents to useful community resources has been one focus of Cisco and its partners in the Cisco 21st Century Schools (21S) Initiative, which is working to make school and community life better and safer for children and their families in the region following Hurricane Katrina.

As part of the 21S Initiative, Cisco has partnered with One Economy Corporation on a number of programs. One Economy is a national nonprofit organization that strives to maximize the potential of technology to help low-income people improve their lives and join the economic mainstream. By bringing technology into the home, One Economy helps people gain the necessary resources, skills and training to use technology to raise their standard of living.

A History of Collaboration

"Our relationship with Cisco goes back to the first few months after the founding of One Economy in 2000," explains Ben Hecht, president and chief operating officer. "Cisco offered us 13 'Cisco fellows' (employees who worked at nonprofits as part of a leadership development program), which dramatically accelerated our ability to bring broadband to the homes of low-income people."

"Since then, our relationship has deepened and expanded," he continues. "Cisco has been one of the core supporters of the educational component of our Beehive self-help Websites (see below) and has also supported our efforts to expand globally."

Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, Cisco asked One Economy to help in constructing a Website to aid evacuees. "Cisco asked for it in 14 days; we managed to do it in 13," Hecht says. "That site became the "Katrina Help Center," which still serves this community as it continues the rebuilding and healing process."

"So when Cisco began the 21S program, our two organizations already had a very rich relationship in education and through our work in the Gulf Region," Hecht continues. "It seemed a natural fit for us to continue developing critical programs for the affected communities."

Connected Communities, Connected Families

Studies have shown that computer use and Internet access at home have direct, positive results on student achievement.

"Out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Louisiana ranks 49th in percentage of households with a computer and 49th in percentage of households with Internet access," says Lori Bush, Cisco's 21S partner and relationship manager. "Given that reality, a program that addresses affordable computer ownership and affordable Internet access can bring the power of technology to those who can most greatly benefit from this service."

One joint project is part of the 21S initiative's "Connected Communities" building block, called "Connected Families." The Connected Families program provides low-cost and convenient purchasing options to help parents and guardians of children in 21S schools acquire a home computer.

The pilot has been launched at four Jefferson Parish schools - Vic A. Pitre, Bridge City and Bridgedale Elementary Schools and T.H. Harris Middle School - and will expand to other 21S sites in Mississippi and Louisiana over the next several years. Parents, guardians and school staff have the option to purchase either a new computer ($500) or a refurbished computer ($200) for their home. Future program plans include delivering options for affordable Internet access to families throughout Jefferson Parish.

Connected Families also includes two hours of training, when families learn basic computer skills and about online resources like One Economy's consumer Website, the Beehive.

As part of this effort, Cisco and One Economy are working with the Hope Community Credit Union and the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta to provide affordable financing options for low- to moderate-income consumers who are seeking to buy a personal computer. These financing options, micro loans, are guaranteed through the creation of a "digital access fund" that is underwritten in part by a Cisco grant. The loan fund also allows participants to enhance their existing credit or to establish new credit and helps these families to create a long-term relationship with the local financial institution.

Computers for Pitre Families

"Twenty-five families came to our Open House launch for the program, and that event resulted in a number of orders for new computers and several for refurbished ones," explains Julie Flattmann, principal of Vic A. Pitre Elementary. "We also raffled off a refurbished computer that night."

Some of the best feedback Flattmann has received is from the aunt of the first-grade boy who won the raffled computer. "The woman's daughter, who is in second grade, and her cousin now play and work together regularly on the new computer - playing educational games and searching the Internet," Flattmann reports.

According to a pre-program survey, less than half the Pitre families have computers at home. "So we're trying to expand their opportunities," says Flattmann. "Our goal was to get some computers out there, plant the seeds so more and more people will begin to interact with them. This is a small community, so the more people hear about the affordable computer program, the more the momentum will grow."

Flattmann believes the program's benefits reach beyond the students and their families, out into the community. "In our survey, many parents expressed an interest in having their own computer and even learning more about having their own business," she says. "It's very encouraging, after all they've been through, to see people thinking about the future and realizing the advantages and opportunities that are available through technology."

The Beehive

One Economy also runs the Beehive, a Website that connects hundreds of thousands of users throughout the United States to national and local resources with information about money, school, jobs, health, housing and more.

Beehive content is provided in English and Spanish, at a sixth grade reading level. In addition to the many information resources, it also offers free e-mail accounts.

With Cisco sponsorship, One Economy launched a Beehive site for Jefferson Parish that not only provides valuable national information but also has specific information relevant to Jefferson Parish residents, families, and businesses and their recovery efforts.

"The Jefferson Parish Beehive has information of particular interest to the local community, along with links to online resources such as "homework helper" and other tools for children to get help with their school work," says Jessica Mendoza, Beehive associate editor.

"Resources that are unique to Jefferson Parish include a special "welcome back" home page for residents returning or considering returning as well as resources on recovery and rebuilding, housing and tenants rights," she continues. "There is a wealth of information to help the entire family - such as how to write a resume, apply for a job or get more money back on your tax returns." The Jefferson Parish Beehive also provides a link to information on the Cisco 21S Initiative.

"Cisco is doing for the Gulf Coast, through the 21S program, what One Economy does on a national and international level," says Hecht.

Through innovative programs like Connected Communities and Connected Families, the Jefferson Parish Beehive, and the Katrina Help Center, Louisiana communities are being offered affordable opportunities to bring technology into their homes and to access resources that students and families can use to improve their lives - truly building that bridge to the 21st century.

Jenny Carless is a freelance writer based in Santa Cruz, CA.