Libraries add $3.7 million for project to enhance learning job opportunities
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Thousands of Texans will gain access to new educational and economic opportunities through a major federal grant awarded to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Wednesday.
The nearly $8 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will be matched by nearly $3.7 million from the commission and its partners in an initiative to provide public computing capabilities to underserved people throughout the state.
The Technology Expertise Access and Learning for All Texans projectTEALwill fund new or upgraded computer centers at 38 libraries and branches plus community colleges public schools recreation centers and health facilities as well as three mobile learning labs that will be used to provide computer training wherever its needed.
With more than 1 million unemployed Texans a 16.3 percent poverty level and the lowest percentage of high school graduates per capita of any state Texas desperately needs to close the digital divide so all its residents can learn work and prosper. The federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant will fund upgrades at 125 public computer centers and create 30 new ones including 2200 new and 480 upgraded work stations enabling an additional 76000 users a week to obtain computer access while increasing average connection speeds by 5Mbps.
For the 67 percent of Texans whose local library provides their only means of computer accessand only resource for online learning job hunting social networking and other pursuits essential to productive participation in societythese funds will foster life-changing opportunities.
Libraries are first-responders to the needs of the community" says Sandra Pickett chairwoman of the state library and archives commission. Its not just about computers and wiring. Its about helping people connect to ways to improve their lives."
Adds Peggy D. Rudd the commissions director and librarian: Its a commitment to education gainful employment and successful lives for people all across the state. Lack of opportunity shouldnt be a deterrent to success. This project will give people the means to reach their potential as productive citizens and boost Texas economy as well."
The commission will oversee the project which includes 38 public libraries and library systems serving 6.9 million Texans 28 percent of the states population. They range from the Houston Public Library System which serves more than 2 million people to Valley Mills Public Library which serves 1389. In addition to Houston the Austin Arlington Harris County and San Antonio library systems are participating along with 33 other libraries (for a complete list go to
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/news/docs/2010releases/TEALgrants.pdf ). Through this project the commission and its partners will help provide a solid foundation for decades of economic growth in Texas.
Project outreach efforts will focus on economically disadvantaged youth seniors and non-English-speaking residents as well as unemployed residents people with physical impairments and anyone in need of building computer skills. The Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library for example will establish a computer center at a senior citizens facility where specialized computers tailored for their needs will be available in a welcoming environment.
The Atlanta Public Library will add 20 computer work stations to the seven it has now allowing staff to help many more patrons with job searches resume-writing and online applications so they wont have to travel to the nearest job center 25 miles away in the next county.
Texas has always been a place of limitless possibilities where people willing to work hard can fulfill their potential and make their dreams come true" says Rudd. Thanks to this grant so many more Texans will have the chance to do just that."
For more information please contact Peggy D. Rudd or Lynne Margolis at (512) 463-5514 or
lmargolis@tsl.state.tx.us.
