Archive for June 15th, 2009
Net Literacy @ Indianapolis Website Launched
Net Literacy launches a new website (www.netliteracy.org/indy) that recognizes contributions from it’s partners Bright House Networks, Intel, Lilly Endowment, and the Clowes Fund. Collectively, these organizations have contributed $100,000s in cash and in-kind services to Net Literacy. Through the generosity of our partners, hundreds of computer labs have been created or expanded and 10,000s of individuals have gained increased access to computers and the Internet. Please learn more about how are partners are enabling student volunteers to make a difference by visiting www.netliteracy.org/indy.
First of Six Net Literacy Summer Programs Begins on June 18th
Net Literacy’s first summer program begins on June 18th and concludes on August 7th. Conducted at Indianapolis Public School #68 and comprised of students attending five high schools, students will learn life skills, job skills, and provide community service as they repurpose 400 computers and build a graphical user interface website as a frontend for a virtual campus that will be made available to any school upon their request at no cost. Other Net Literacy (www.netliteracy.org) summer programs will teach Internet safety, build a financial literacy website, and repurpose 600 – 800 computers during the next 60 days. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
Net Literacy Recognized with a Jefferson Awards for Public Service
Net Literacy will receive a Jefferson Award for Public Service (http://www.jeffersonawards.org/) on June 16th in Washington DC. Net Literacy’s work will be recognized by US Senators Lugar and Bayh.
The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. They began in 1972 to create a Nobel Prize for public service. Today, their primary purpose is to serve as a “Call to Action for Volunteers” in local communities.
The Board of Selectors chooses the winners. The national Jefferson Awards honorees are a “Who’s Who” of American history makers. They have included: Barbara Bush, Rosalynn Carter, Colin Powell, Peyton Manning, Oprah Winfrey, Lance Armstrong, Sandra Day O’Connor and Alan Greenspan.
The Jefferson Awards has over 150 Media Partners in over 90 communities across the country. A local panel of judges selects the winners who are grassroots. These Media Partners are major local newspapers, television and radio stations.
Net Literacy was nominated for the Jefferson Award by Helen Lenke, a senior citizen that learned how to use a computer and the Internet through the Senior Connects (www.seniorconnects.org) program in 2003. In 2004, she purchased her own computer and a broadband connection. Six years later, Mrs. Lenke still sends boxes of cookies to her friendly student volunteers…and keeps up with them via email. The student volunteers fondly refer to her as their “cookie monster.”