Ypi public computer centers program

When the funding ended in , YPI worked with many of these centers to develop sustainability programs. Twenty-five of those centers are still operated by YPI today. They provide access to equipment, the Internet, and support, much like a library would, just without the wait or the time limits. YPI has since received additional funding from the California Public Utilities Commission to continue their broadband access, adoption, and deployment efforts. To better understand what was keeping people from adopting broadband, they conducted grassroots research, putting people in the field to survey residents.

They learned that the primary obstacles to increasing digital adoption included:. In YPI computer centers, residents learn about why and how to use computers and the Internet at home.

The research uncovered a lack of affordable options for Internet access at home. Some of the larger providers offer reduced rates, but not at the speeds needed to support use for education or entertainment purposes, which are often the main hooks for new adopters and the functions that people have come to expect from Internet service.

They also found that, with taxes and hidden fees, the reduced rates ended up being not so low-cost at all. The good news is that more recent research shows that adoption rates are improving and the demand for digital literacy training remains constant. Through a refurbished computer program called OurCycle LA , YPI brings people in for digital literacy training, and then sends them home with low-cost Internet service and a computer.

Program participants include families with school-aged youth, older adults, and other adults who are first-time computer owners. YPI noted two memorable program clients who benefited from their program.

The certification process in his desired field was entirely online. Basic Word skills were a condition for employment. Our strategic priorities for Increase funding, diversify revenue sources, and build a sustainable YPI granting model. Deepen YPI's impact on youth and schools. Expand enrolment to new communities. Increase YPI's value for participating charities.

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View YPI Charities. State District of Columbia. State Florida. Project: Technology Works! State Georgia. State Hawaii. Recipient: Idaho Commission for Libraries. State Idaho. Recipient: City of Chicago. State Illinois. State Kentucky.