Recent Press ReleasesAugust 22, 2011 Kentucky rural broadband projects get $2 million Kentucky programs aiming to increase rural broadband access were awarded more than $2 million in funding today by the US Department of Agriculture. The grants are part of the Community Connect program, which provides grants to rural, economically challenged communities. More than $100 million in Community Connect funding was announced today. Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc. was awarded $1,159,400 for projects in Heidelberg and Yellow Rock; Inter Mountain Cable, Inc. was awarded $993,339 for an Endicott broadband project. "Without broadband, rural communities, agricultural producers, and business owners face a substantial challenge," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release. "These loans and grants will bring the benefits of broadband, including new educational, business, and public health and safety opportunities, to residents living in some of the most remote parts of our Nation." Funds can be used to construct, acquire, or lease facilities to deploy broadband to community facilities such as schools and public safety buildings, as well as residents and businesses in the community, according to the USDA. Each project requires a matching contribution and must serve an area where broadband is not available. The grantee must agree to provide local community centers in the selected towns with at least 10 computers, which are accessible free for two years. For more about the awards, see the release here. January 25, 2011 In Greenup County, students lead the way for 150 families to soon receive computers, printers, thanks to Greenup County Schools, Rep. Tanya Pullin, AT&T-Kentucky, ConnectKentucky GREENUP, KY— Greenup County students are getting a unique chance to give back to their community while learning valuable IT job skills. Today, ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids program announced that 150 refurbished computers will be donated to Greenup County families, as part of a computer refurbishing program underway at Greenup County High School. January 13, 2011 ConnectKentucky to honor the Commonwealth’s technology leaders Annual Tech Day, sponsored by CBTS, to be held at Great American Ball Park Frankfort, KY— ConnectKentucky will again honor the Commonwealth’s technology leaders at its 2011 Tech Day on April 29, 2011.
Nominations are due by April 1, 2011. For more information about the nominations or to receive a nomination form, contact ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True at rtrue@connectky.org. More information and downloadable nomination forms are available at www.connectkentucky.org. August 17, 2010 CONNECTKENTUCKY SUPPORTS UNSERVED AREA IN FIGHT FOR AFFORADABLE BROADBAND Thanks to Grassroots Efforts and Public-Private Partnership, New Broadband Service has Been Extended for Unserved Area in Greenup County on Brookefield Farm Road In Greenup County, Kentucky, Melinda Spears and her two teenage daughters have never had an opportunity to connect to affordable high-speed Internet. “I have a daughter in high school and, well have you tried to do anything on the computer via dialup lately?” Spears wrote to ConnectKentucky. “It's excruciatingly slow if it even works at all. Needless to say, she is unable to do any of her computer based schoolwork at home. In this day of technology, citizens are literally handicapped without the use of the Internet for everything from entertainment to information to education to contacting your representatives.” However, thanks to grassroots efforts from public officials, private industry, local residents, and ConnectKentucky, Spears, her daughters, and her neighborhood are now benefiting from affordable high-speed Internet. In a time where connectivity continues to be an issue in many rural areas in all states, Spears’ story is all too common. Her neighborhood is small — just 17 or so families. It’s on the border of two counties — Greenup and Boyd. Spears called her neighborhood, which runs along Brookefield Farm Road, the “Bermuda Triangle of Greenup County.” Based on a suggestion from State Rep. Tanya Pullin (D-District 98), Spears contacted ConnectKentucky. “Is there any way you can help us few, honest, hard working citizens, to be a part of and enjoy the benefits of this new, incredible, digital society and not be left behind?” Spears wrote. “I realize this may seem trivial to some, what with all the problems in our country and the world beyond, but if nothing else, it will benefit the future and the education of our children who deserve the same chances that urban children have. Thanks for your time and your work you do for our community and the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky. I am proud to be a Kentuckian.” René True, executive director of ConnectKentucky, suggested that Spears gather a group of neighbors interested in broadband service. Spears did just that — 16 families in her area said they would subscribe to affordable broadband service if it was offered. True then contacted Foundation Telecommunications, Inc. (FTI) about the need and opportunity to provide broadband service to Spears’ neighborhood. Starting in late May, FTI started providing Spears and her neighbors with high-speed service. Since the service began, FTI has had seven new subscribers. For FTI, a ConnectKentucky Steering Committee partner, providing service to unserved areas is part of its mission. “This community only had dial-up available prior to FTI installing this network,” said Bud Coburn of FTI. “Many had complaints about how long the downloads would take on dial-up for their kids to accomplish school work at home. With the faster speeds they were excited about the opportunity for their kids to learn their school work over the FTI network.” George Livergood, president and chief executive officer of FTI, agreed. “While it is certainly true that the new broadband service to the broadband ‘Bermuda Triangle of Greenup County’ is as a result of a public-private partnership with FTI, the project could never have become a reality without the cooperative efforts of the local community,” Livergood said. For ConnectKentucky, helping Spears, her daughters, and her community become connected in an affordable way is a key component of the nonprofit’s work that continues to change the lives of Kentuckians. “We are pleased to have helped Melinda and her daughters. Although the area served is a small one, we are privileged to have assisted Brookefield Farm residents in gaining the connectivity they deserve,” said True. “We applaud our friends at FTI and Rep. Pullin for their commitment to helping the communities they represent and serve. The broadband service offered by FTI provides hope for other Kentucky residents living in unserved areas.” “I have been working to expand broadband service to our area for years. Because we are largely a rural area, several different ways to deliver high-speed Internet are needed to meet the needs of the residents here.Since FTI’s technology seems to work well, it may help to provide high-speed Internet to other rural parts of our county, too,”Rep. Pullin said. Pullin continued, “I applaud Mrs. Spears and her neighbors for taking an active role in making this solution work. I also commend ConnectKentucky for their creativity in finding this high-speed Internet solution.” For Spears and her neighbors, the new broadband service is working beautifully and they couldn’t be more excited. “We were at the end of our rope. Our daughter had a new computer, but she was not using it. We are really happy with the new broadband service and others I have talked with are also pleased,” Spears said. “FTI was very persistent in dealing with the weather challenges in setting up the system. It is a whole different world being able to use broadband.” FRANKLIN COUNTY COUNCIL ON FAMILY ABUSE BENEFITS FROM COMPUTER, TECHNOLOGY DONATIONS The Franklin County Council on Family Abuse Receives Refurbished Computers Donated through a Partnership of ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership
Frankfort, KY—On Thursday, May 13, five nearly new computers and printers were donated to the Franklin County Council on Family Abuse as part of a continuing technology donation partnership. The computers and printers were donated during the Franklin County Council on Family Abuse’s “Steak-Holder Supper,” held at the First United Methodist Church in Frankfort. More than 100 community members and local leaders attended the event. “The donation of these computers is so critical to our work here in this community and in Central Kentucky,” Council Chair Laura Leigh Goins said. “Not only do we now have the resources we need to install a security system with monitors in each of our units, but our guests will also have an opportunity to seek information that will help empower them to overcome their situations and change their lives.” Initially, the gently used computers were donated by the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office to ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program. “As our office continues to increase our digital capacity, we soon outgrow some of the computer equipment that we have used over the years,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “Although they no longer fit our needs, we are delighted to use these computers to brighten the future of Kentuckians recovering from abusive environments. We have long said that our office does more with less, thanks to technology. We are humbled that our technological reach will extend beyond to the families of Kentucky via the C4K program.” ConnectKentucky’s C4K program is an innovative project that brings together public and private partners to help disadvantaged children and their families join the information age. This is accomplished by placing computers in the hands of disadvantaged populations so that they have access to abundant technological resources and can perform basic computing functions. Since its inception, C4K has delivered more than 3,200 Internet-ready computers to disadvantaged individuals, schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofit after-school programs across the state. “ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids program is proud to continue our participation in this partnership designed to help families in the Bluegrass,” said Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky. “As the partnership continues to receive donations, we are confident that technology use will expand throughout the region.” Before going to the Franklin County Council on Family Abuse for placement in a home for abused women seeking shelter, the computers were made like new by Opportunity for Work and Learning. OWL provides job skills to employment-challenged individuals who refurbish computers during a 10-week technology training program. OWL is an organization dedicated to removing employment barriers to individuals in the community by retraining them in a field where they are more likely to find a job. “This multi-agency partnership demonstrates that when agencies work together, all citizens regardless of age in the Commonwealth will benefit. OWL continues to look for new partnerships to fulfill its mission,” according to David Boggs, OWL president/CEO. To learn more about the donation, visit www.connectkentucky.org.
DANVILLE HEAD START PROGRAM BENEFITS FROM COMPUTER, TECHNOLOGY DONATIONS May 6, 2010 The Crescent Drive Head Start Program Receives Refurbished Computers Donated through a Partnership of ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership.
Children from the Crescent Drive Head Start give a thumbs up during this week’s computer donation.
Danville, KY—This week, the Crescent Drive Head Start program in Danville received computers as part of a kickoff event for a technology donation partnership. “Having access to the computers will allow the teachers to have an opportunity to use digital instructional resources to improve kids’ math and science skills,” said Amy Collier, site supervisor for the Crescent Drive Head Start program during the kickoff on Tuesday, May 4. Over the next few weeks, ConnectKentucky, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership (BGCAP) will arrange the donation of refurbished computers to Head Start programs in Anderson, Boyle, Jessamine, Woodford, Mercer, and Franklin counties. This week’s event was the kickoff of the official partnership. For the computers donated this week, the refurbishing services took place at Pioneer Vocational Industrial Services in Danville. “It is wonderful to have all the agencies come together to benefit the technology needs of the kids in the Head Start program,” said JoAnn Travis, director of Head Start for the six-county region. “We wish to thank all those responsible for making the technology resources available.” Boyle County Judge-Executive Harold McKinney said Tuesday that providing access to technology “was a given in today’s world” and that he was “glad to see Boyle County organizations rally together to provide technology for area kids.” McKinney even suggested that there may be other opportunities to donate old county computers for the refurbishing program. Initially, the gently used computers were donated by the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office to ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program. “As our office continues to increase our digital capacity, we soon outgrow some of the computer equipment that we have used over the years,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “Although they no longer fit our needs, we are delighted to use these computers to brighten the futures of Kentucky’s most precious resources — our children. We have long said that our office does more with less, thanks to technology. We are humbled that our technological reach will extend beyond to the children of Kentucky via the C4K program.” ConnectKentucky’s C4K program is an innovative project that brings together public and private partners to help disadvantaged children and their families join the information age. This is accomplished by placing computers in the hands of disadvantaged populations so that they have access to abundant technological resources and can perform basic computing functions. Since its inception, C4K has delivered more than 3,200 Internet-ready computers to disadvantaged individuals, schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofit after-school programs across the state. “ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids program is proud to be a part of this new partnership and to help the Bluegrass Region’s Head Start programs,” said Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky. “As the partnership continues to receive donations, we are confident that technology use will expand throughout the region.” Before going to the Head Start programs, the computers were made like new by personnel at Pioneer Vocational Industrial Services in partnership with Opportunity for Work and Learning. OWL provides job skills to employment-challenged individuals who refurbish computers during a 10-week technology training program. OWL is an organization dedicated to removing employment barriers to individuals in the community by retraining them in a field where they are more likely to find a job. “This multi-agency partnership demonstrates that when agencies work together, all citizens regardless of age in the Commonwealth will benefit. OWL continues to look for new partnerships to fulfill its mission,” according to David Boggs, OWL president/CEO. These computers, along with donated printers from Lexmark, have now been and will be donated to children participating in six Head Start programs, with the help of funding through the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership. “The Blue Grass Community Action Partnership is appreciative of this donation to our six Head Start centers. These computers and printers will assure that the children have access to computer technology to learn basic computer skills. We would like to thank our partners in this effort, ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids,” said Troy Roberts, executive director. To learn more about the donation, visit www.connectkentucky.org. AREA HEAD START PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT FROM COMPUTER, TECHNOLOGY DONATIONS April 30, 2010 Six Head Start Programs Will Receive Refurbished Computers Donated Through a Partnership of ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership. Danville, KY—Head Start programs in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky are benefiting from technology, thanks to donated computers and printers from a collaborative effort of several organizations. The refurbishing services took place at Pioneer Vocational Industrial Services located in Danville. On May 4, ConnectKentucky, Opportunity for Work and Learning (OWL), and the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership (BGCAP) will officially announce a partnership that will donate refurbished computers to Head Start programs in Anderson, Boyle, Jessamine, Woodford, Mercer, and Franklin counties. The event will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4, at the Crescent Drive Head Start, 456 Crescent Drive, Danville, KY. The gently used computers were donated by the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office to ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) program. “As our office continues to increase our digital capacity, we soon outgrow some of the computer equipment that we have used over the years,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “Although they no longer fit our needs, we are delighted to use these computers to brighten the futures of Kentucky’s most precious resources — our children. We have long said that our office does more with less, thanks to technology. We are humbled that our technological reach will extend beyond to the children of Kentucky via the C4K program.” ConnectKentucky’s C4K program is an innovative project that brings together public and private partners to help disadvantaged children and their families join the information age. This is accomplished by placing computers in the hands of disadvantaged populations so that they have access to abundant technological resources and can perform basic computing functions. Since its inception, C4K has delivered more than 3,200 Internet-ready computers to disadvantaged individuals, schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofit after-school programs across the state. “Through the Computers 4 Kids program, ConnectKentucky continues to identify creative partnerships to ensure all Kentuckians enjoy the benefits achieved through technology access. We are proud to work with our new partners to foster technology inclusion for all Kentuckians,” said ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True. Before going to the Head Start programs, the computers were made like new by personnel at Opportunity for Work and Learning. OWL provides job skills to employment-challenged individuals who refurbish computers during a 10-week technology training program. OWL is an organization dedicated to removing employment barriers to individuals in the community by retraining them in a field where they are more likely to find a job. “This multi-agency partnership demonstrates that when agencies work together, all citizens regardless of age in the Commonwealth will benefit. OWL continues to look for new partnerships to fulfill its mission,” according to David Boggs, OWL president/CEO. These computers, along with donated printers from Lexmark, have now been and will be donated to children participating in six Head Start programs, with the help of funding through the Blue Grass Community Action Partnership. “The Blue Grass Community Action Partnership is appreciative of this donation to our six Head Start centers. These computers and printers will assure that the children have access to computer technology to learn basic computer skills. We would like to thank our partners in this effort, ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids,” said Troy Roberts, executive director. To learn more about the donation, visit www.connectkentucky.org. ##### About ConnectKentucky: ConnectKentucky is leading the way into a new economy for Kentuckians. As an independent technology-based economic development organization, ConnectKentucky works to ensure that Kentucky remains the place of choice to live, work, and raise a family. ConnectKentucky is an alliance of technology-minded businesses, government entities, and universities working together to accelerate technology in the Commonwealth. For more information about ConnectKentucky, visit www.connectkentucky.org. About OWL: Since 1961 Opportunity for Work and Learning has been partnering within the community to educate and equip individuals with barriers to employment to reach their vocational goals. OWL provides job training, job placement, evaluations, and assessment services in all 17 counties of the Bluegrass Area Development District and Jefferson County. For more information about OWL, visit www.owlinc.net. About Blue Grass Community Action Partnership: The Blue Grass Community Action Partnership has been providing assistance to low-income individuals/households since 1964 in an effort to remove barriers to self-sufficiency. With the funding received through the ARRA, the Agency has collaborated with Opportunity for Work & Learning (OWL) to provide resources to make a difference in our client’s way of life. Eligible clients receive vocational assessments that identify an individual’s interest, aptitudes, learning strengths and weaknesses to ensure successful training and job placement outcomes. The computer recycling and refurbishing is just one of the aspects of this program. Preparing individuals for employment that provides a living wage will ensure that the will become self-sufficient. For more information about BGCAP, visit www.bluegrasscommunityaction.org. About Pioneer: Since 1967 Pioneer Vocational/Industrial Services has been providing vocational development and extended employment programs to people who are disabled and/or disadvantaged to assist them in obtaining employment and maximizing independent living skills. Pioneer provides job training, job placement, evaluation, assessments and Supported for Community Living services. For more information about Pioneer, visit www.pioneerservices.org CONNECTKENTUCKY ISSUES REQUEST FOR PROPSOAL FOR 'COAL TO BROADBAND' PROJECT March 8, 2010 RFP Seeks Plans from All Types of Providers in Order to Bring Broadband Service to Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell Counties Frankfort, KY— ConnectKentucky has issued a request for proposal for the build-out of a four-county broadband network in Eastern Kentucky, with the ultimate goal of providing high-speed Internet service to 7,000 unserved households. In November 2009, Governor Steve Beshear joined with Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder, the Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell Regional Technology Authority Chairman Joe Crawford, and ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True to announce the launch of the “Coal to Broadband: Making the Transition, Making the Connection,” program, which will help bring broadband service to Breathitt, Estill, Lee, and Powell counties. ConnectKentucky is serving as technical adviser on the project, working with the newly formed nonprofit, the Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell Regional Technology Authority (RTA). All four of the grant’s impacted counties are in the bottom 25 counties in Kentucky for broadband availability. Breathitt and Lee counties are the two lowest served counties in the state, both with below 50 percent availability of broadband to the home. The RFP covers the infrastructure portion of the broadband project, with the ultimate goal of providing service to approximately 7,000 households in the four-county eastern Kentucky region without access to high-speed Internet. The network design is based on using fixed-wireless technology; however, ConnectKentucky and the RTA encourage providers of all technology platforms to review the request for proposal and submit their best solution. In addition, responses that include the combination of the construction phase of the project with a proposal for the operations phase from one company or a partnership of companies may provide the best solution and will receive favorable consideration in the review process. “In the upcoming weeks, the RTA is looking forward to reviewing a variety of broadband project proposals. We appreciate ConnectKentucky’s technical assistance and guidance during this request for proposal process,” said Crawford. “The ultimate goal of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ project is to reach four of Kentucky’s lowest served counties with high-speed Internet. I strongly encourage providers of all types to submit their plans for completing this worthwhile effort.” The deadline for responding to the RFP is April 5, 2010, and should be submitted to René True, c/o BELP, 311 West Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 or e-mail at rtrue@connectky.org. The announcement of the winning RFP response will occur around May 7, 2010, with construction slated to start soon thereafter. It is estimated the entire construction build-out will take between 5-7 months. As technical advisor, ConnectKentucky guided the preparation of the RFP and will assist the RTA in understanding the technical aspects of the RFP responses. However, the selection of a provider from the RFP responses is the ultimate responsibility of the RTA and the evaluation team appointed by the RTA. “ConnectKentucky is proud to be part of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ project and helping to facilitate this request for proposal. This project is going to bring high-speed Internet service to families and businesses in four counties where it is desperately needed and will play an important role in diversifying the region’s economy,” said True. “We look forward to working with the RTA and the successful RFP respondent to provide broadband to the region.” For a complete copy of the RFP and additional project information, please check the website at http://www.connectbelp.org/. CONNECTKENTUCKY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL 2010 TECH DAY IN KENTUCKY February 23, 2010 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky Features CyberSafeKY Training, Technology Roundtables, and Donations from AT&T and Lexmark FRANKFORT, Ky. — More than 120 students, parents, community members, and technology advocates participated in the 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky, held Thursday, February 18 in Frankfort. In the opening events, 80 students at Hearn Elementary School, along with their parents, participated in a cybersafety training. The cybersafety training class is part of an ongoing partnership among ConnectKentucky, the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, and the Kentucky Department of Education. Called CyberSafeKY, the training provided children with a basic understanding of the safe use of social network sites and what parents need to monitor with their children’s use of the Internet. Since CyberSafeKY began in 2009, more than 25,000 parents and children have participated in 100 different training awareness classes. Topics covered during the session included cyberbullying, cyberpredators, responsible use of social networking sites, and more. Along with the CyberSafeKY training, Franklin County Schools received a donation of 150 printers from Lexmark. This printer donation was facilitated through ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K) initiative, which provides computers and enhanced technology tools to low-income households, schools, community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations that provide after-school educational programs to underprivileged children. In addition, the AT&T Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to ConnectKentucky. The grant from the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., will benefit ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids. Previously, the AT&T Foundation awarded C4K $150,000 to distribute computers to more than 20 nonprofits in Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Washington, and Boyle counties. Following morning events at Hearn Elementary School, Tech Day events continued in Frankfort, with a proclamation reading, the announcement of ConnectKentucky’s Technology Awards, and technology-related roundtable discussions. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) received the Corporate Citizenship Technology Award, which is given to a company, organization, or foundation that has successfully shaped its mission and business strategy to promote broadband technology adoption in the Commonwealth. The GRADD received the award for the public-private partnership known as ConnectGRADD, which is bring broadband to the rural areas of Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties. ConnectGRADD is currently providing service to over 1,500 residents of the region with a goal to double subscription. “ConnectGRADD is opening many doors that were previously closed to citizens in rural communities.It offers them unprecedented access to economic development, entrepreneurship, education, and entertainment opportunities — just to name a few,” said Jiten Shah, executive director of GRADD. “ConnectGRADD, Inc. is honored to receive this prestigious award. We pledge to continue our strong partnership with ConnectKentucky to accomplish our shared vision of bringing broadband Internet availability to residents across the Commonwealth.” ConnectKentucky also hosted two roundtable discussions about technology applications, benefits, and use in education delivery and eGovernment in Kentucky. Over 35 people participated in the panel discussions. The technology education roundtable was moderated by Allen Lind, chief information officer for the Council on Postsecondary Education, and featured a group of Kentucky’s educational technology leaders including representatives from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, the Kentucky Department of Education, and Eastern Kentucky University. Participants discussed how technology is impacting Kentucky’s educational delivery system, recent technological innovations, and future applications. The eGovernment roundtable was moderated by Allen Eskridge, CIO and Assistant Secretary of State and featured panelists from the Commonwealth Office of Technology, Cisco Systems, Officescape, and Dataseam. This discussion focused on how government can use technology to better serve citizens, recent technology improvements in Kentucky state government, and how technology can be leveraged to improve government and lower costs. “I was very pleased with the number of new ideas that emerged from the workshop. The panels stimulated a great deal of discussion regarding information innovation strategies and next-generation infrastructure needs,” said Dan O’Hair, Dean and professor at the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky. “Having nonprofit, government, for-profit, and educational representatives interact as part of the discussion added to the value of the workshop.” This is the fourth time ConnectKentucky has held the day-long Tech Day in Kentucky. For additional information, visit the ConnectKentucky website at www.connectkentucky.org. CONNECTKENTUCKY'S COMPUTERS 4 KIDS RECEIVES $15K FROM AT&T FOUNDATION February 18, 2010 AT&T Foundation Awards ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids $15,000 During 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky Frankfort, KY—Today, the AT&T Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to ConnectKentucky as part of the 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky festivities. The grant from the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., will benefit ConnectKentucky’s Computers 4 Kids (C4K), an initiative that provides computers and enhanced technology tools to children and organizations that provide after-school educational programs to underprivileged communities. Previously, the AT&T Foundation has awarded C4K $150,000 to distribute computers to more than 20 nonprofits in Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, and Boyle counties. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation are committed to advancing education, strengthening communities, and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. “We applaud ConnectKentucky for the work they do helping kids leverage technology to learn,” said Mary Pat Regan, president of AT&T Kentucky. “When we give students more of the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, we are ultimately helping them get ready to compete for good jobs.” Since its inception in 2006, ConnectKentucky’s C4K has donated more than 3,000 computers to community organizations, schools, and nonprofits throughout Kentucky. “Computer 4 Kids continues to transform the lives of Kentucky’s families and communities,” said Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky. “Through the generous contribution of the AT&T Foundation, the support of our corporate partners and working with local community leaders, ConnectKentucky is closing the digital divide.” Organizations interested in supporting Computers 4 Kids can submit requests to C4K@connectky.org. To learn more about ConnectKentucky and Computers 4 Kids, visit www.connectkentucky.org. CONNECTKENTUKCY TO HOST CYBERSAFEKY SESSION AT 2010 TECH DAY January 22, 2010 FRANKFORT, KY – Engaging technology leaders from across the Commonwealth, ConnectKentucky will host the 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky on February 18 in Frankfort. Events will begin at 10 a.m. (EST). This is the fourth time ConnectKentucky has held the day-long event. This year’s Tech Day in Kentucky will feature a cybersafety training class for parents and children as part of an ongoing partnership among ConnectKentucky, the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, and the Kentucky Department of Education. Called CyberSafeKY, the training will provide children with a basic understanding of the safe use of social network sites and what parents need to monitor their children’s use of the Internet. “The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it can also be a tool for crime,” said Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway. “From cyberpredators to cyberbullying, the dangers that exist online are real. Through our CyberSafeKY partnership, we’re educating both students and parents across Kentucky about these dangers and how to keep kids safe in today’s virtual world.” Topics covered during the session will include cyberbullying, cyberpredators, responsible use of social networking sites, and more. A Lexmark printer distribution for the Franklin County Public Schools will open the event. Also, 2010 Tech Day in Kentucky will host two roundtable discussions about technology applications, benefits, and use in education delivery and eGovernment in Kentucky. The technology education roundtable at 1:30 p.m. will feature a group of Kentucky’s educational technology leaders including representatives from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, the Kentucky Department of Education, and Eastern Kentucky University. Participants will learn about the successes of educational technology investments in the Commonwealth, the impact technology is having on educational delivery systems, and the challenges faced in tight budgetary times. The eGovernment roundtable at 3 p.m. will feature panelists from the Commonwealth Office of Technology, Cisco Systems, Officescape, and Dataseam. This discussion will focus on what it means to incorporate “eGovernment” solutions into government operations and employ Web 2.0 and beyond applications. In addition to the roundtable events and cybersafety training, ConnectKentucky will announce the winners of the ConnectKentucky Technology Awards at 12:30 p.m. ConnectKentucky is currently soliciting nominations for the four awards, including:
ConnectKentucky encourages nominations from local leaders, schools, non-profits, businesses, and private citizens. Nominations will be taken until January 30. A downloadable version of the nomination form is available at http://www.connectkentucky.org. Mail or e-mail your nomination to: ConnectKentucky Attn: Donna C. Drury 311 West Main Street Frankfort, KY 40601 Other events include an opening reception beginning at 10 a.m. at Hearn Elementary School, 300 Copperleaf Boulevard in Frankfort. The CyberSafeKY training will also be held at Hearn Elementary School. The ConnectKentucky Technology Awards presentation, the roundtable discussions, and the closing reception will be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel, 405 Wilkinson Boulevard in Frankfort. To attend the events, please RSVP by February 1 to: Donna C. Drury ddrury@connectky.org (502) 875-7501 (office) (502) 594-8083 (mobile) In 2009, over 150 people attended the day-long event, which featured roundtables addressing the value of technology in the areas of education, healthcare, telework, and digital citizenship, while highlighting Kentucky’s status as a leading broadband state. PARKLAND SENIOR CITIZENS RECEIVE COMPUTER CLASS COMPLETION CERTIFICATES AT COMMUNITY CENTER December 15, 2009
Local Residents of All Ages Gain Valuable High-Technology Skills at Oasis Center Louisville, KY--At the Oasis Living in Freedom and Excellence Center in the Parkland neighborhood of Louisville, the center’s first senior computer classes recently ended. The five students spent several weeks learning about computers and their applications. For some of the participants, the courses were their first time using a computer, while others were able to fine tune their current skills. Despite their different skill-levels, the participants praised the course and lamented its end. “I hate to see the class end,” participant Larry Gordon said following the recent end-of-class certificate ceremony and luncheon. “It was very enlightening.” Thanks to a donation from ConnectKentucky and its partners, the Oasis Life Center has been able to provide community residents—both young and old--with access to a free computer lab outfitted with computers and printers. The lab also has laptop computers for use at the center or on loan. The center was formed in 2003 by Elim Baptist Church members to house a program to help young people learn more about the technical side of the music business. Since then, the center has become a nonprofit agency and offers afterschool tutoring, parent workshops and outreach for people dealing with HIV-AIDS, along with the senior computer training classes. Michelle Patrick, the center's executive director and a retired teacher, said she has seen the need for such a lab for years. “I remember when I taught at Meyzeek [Middle School], so often kids had projects but no access to computers at home to work on those projects,” she said. “That always stuck with me.” Along with all of its current activities, the Center will add GED preparation classes starting in January 2010. Also, the Center has plans to offer online college preparatory and foreign-language courses and video editing for teenagers, Patrick said. "I like to tell people we're small, but we have lofty goals,” she said. Related Information: Press Release: Nine Louisville-area Non-profits Receive More than $40K Worth of Computers, Printers KENTUCKIAN INVITED TO SERVE TWO-YEAR TERM ON MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER'S INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY PANEL November 10, 2009 Connected Nation chief executive officer Brian Mefford Outlined ConnectKentucky’s Program Success at International Conference Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- This week, Connected Nation’s chief executive officer, Brian Mefford, was appointed to a two-year term on the MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP). Chaired by the Malaysian Prime Minister, the IAP provides advice and counsel to the Malaysian Government to set and prepare the agenda for the way forward in the development and growth of the MSC Malaysia and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in Malaysia. In addition, Mefford was a featured panelist at the 12th annual IAP meeting, outlining the success of ConnectKentucky’s public-private partnership model for increased broadband deployment and adoption, particularity the organization’s grassroots-level work to bridge the “digital divide” in the state. It was the hope of the conference that ConnectKentucky can serve as a model for possible similar programs in Malaysia. “At ConnectKentucky, we believe that states, communities, families and individuals can realize the tremendous economic and social advantage of widespread broadband deployment and adoption,” Mefford said. “Our public-private partnership model has not only seen success in Kentucky, but in other states around the country. We are confident that we can translate this success to Malaysia and help grow the country’s new, high-technology economy.” The IAP brings together the “meeting of the minds” of some of the world’s most renowned industry luminaries and thought leaders in the global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. This year’s IAP meeting, Innovation Economy: Paving the Path to Prosperity, was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), near Kuala Lumpur, on Nov. 8-10. The meeting included discussions on how to keep “the MSC Malaysia at the forefront of assisting Malaysia’s economic recovery and creating future prosperity via an innovation-based economy,” according to an article in The Malaysia Star. Related Links: Article: IAP Meeting to Be Smaller But More Focused (The Malaysia Star, 11/3/09) Article: IAP to Set Tone For MSC Malaysia In Sync With New Economic Model (Bernama, 11/2/09) Article: IT Experts to Share Views on Enhancing the Role of MSC Malaysia, (The Star Online, 11/07/09) Article: Broadband: Kentucky Style (Malaysian Life, 11/10/09) Article: Kentucky News Review (Lexington Herald-Leader, 11/10/2009) Article: Malaysia seeks Kentucky Expertise to Wire Nation (Business Lexington, 11/10/09) Article: Broadband Lessons From Kentucky (The Malaysia Star, 11/10/09) Video: MDeC: Innovation-based Economy (The Star Online TV) GOVERNOR BESHEAR ANNOUNCES GRANT TO PROVIDE BROADBAND ACCESS TO EASTERN KENTUCKY REGION November 3, 2009
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear presents a check to Chip Spann, René True and Mark Messer of ConnectKentucky during the “Coal to Broadband” launch on Tuesday. BEATTYVILLE, Ky.--Governor Steve Beshear joined with Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder and ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True today to announce the launch of the “Coal to Broadband: Making the Transition, Making the Connection,” program, which will help bring broadband service to Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell counties. “Through the work of Internet providers statewide and the Department for Local Government, Kentucky serves as a national model of how Internet access can enhance the quality of life for individuals, businesspeople and entire communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “However, we still have room for improvement, especially in our rural areas. Through the launch of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ program, the Commonwealth is moving one step closer toward ensuring that every Kentuckian has readily available online access.” ConnectKentucky will serve as technical adviser on the project, working with the newly formed nonprofit, the Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Powell Regional Technology Authority (RTA). “ConnectKentucky is proud to be joining Governor Beshear and the Department for Local Government in the announcement of the ‘Coal to Broadband’ project. This project is going to help bring high-speed Internet service to families and businesses in four counties where it is desperately needed and will play an important role in diversifying the region’s economy,” said René True, Executive Director of ConnectKentucky. “Providing the tools and resources necessary for all Kentuckians to succeed in this global economy is an utmost priority,” said Commissioner Tony Wilder. “With the enhanced Internet access from the ‘Coal to Broadband’ program, we will not only be providing economic possibilities, but a whole new means by which people can achieve personal growth through increased educational opportunities.” All four of the grant’s impacted counties are in the bottom 25 counties in Kentucky for broadband availability. Breathitt and Lee counties are the two lowest served counties in the state, both with below 50 percent availability of broadband to the home. What’s more, nearly 7,000 homes in Breathitt, Estill, Lee and Powell counties do not have high-speed Internet available at home. “Coal to Broadband” will help ensure that these counties move toward more accessible and widespread broadband connections. The program will use multi-county coal severance dollars along with Appalachian Regional Commission funds for an economic development project to bring broadband access to the four county Eastern Kentucky region.
THREE Community groups receive aT&t-sponsored COMPUTERS THROUGH cONNECTKENTUCKY PROGRAMOctober 5, 2009 |
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Council on Family Abuse Chair Laura Leigh Goins (center) accepts a donation of five nearly new computers and printers from Assistant Secretary of State Allen Eskridge and ConnectKentucky Executive Director René True.
Larry Gordon, a participant at the Oasis Center’s senior computer class, shows off the certificate he earned for completing the class. 
GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE HONORS PRESTONSBURG WIRELESS NETWORK