University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Lowell Internet, Networking and Knowledge: Sustaining Broadband Access Across the Generations

The Lowell Internet, Networking and Knowledge project proposes to increase the adoption of broadband services by working with a diverse set of partners and using an inter-generational approach to bridging the digital divide. This initiative is designed to reach low-income and at-risk youth, the unemployed, residents without college degrees, and seniors. The project intends to build out 11 public computer centers to serve 6,650 new broadband users and add 7,500 additional broadband subscribers in the Lowell and Merrimack Valley, an area designated a “Renewal Community” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The technology training includes working with University of Massachusetts–Lowell students in computer centers to provide broadband-related training to vulnerable populations, including the nation’s second largest Cambodian community. The University’s Center for Family, Work and Community plans to measure the project’s impact by developing a survey tool for use at each outreach event, allowing comparisons of broadband awareness at the beginning and end of the project. Also, the University intends to work with Lowell’s broadband providers to obtain data on new subscribers.

Total Award:

$783,094

Project Fact Sheet

Recipient Project Website

BTOP In Action

Staff members attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Lawrence Senior Center

With the support of BTOP funds, the University of Massachusetts Lowell has already held digital literacy and workforce development classes for more than 4,000 people. These classes are created to boost sustainable broadband adoption among low-income youth, the unemployed, adults without college degrees, and senior citizens. The university conducts this training at nine partner sites across the Lowell and Merrimack Valley regions and provides courses on topics such as computer basics, digital media production, and job readiness.

For example, at the Amesbury, Lawrence, and Salisbury senior centers, the university conducts basic computer skills classes, teaching residents Internet fundamentals. At the United Teen Equality Center, young adult trainers provide video game development and digital media editing classes, preparing teenagers for possible careers in broadcasting or Internet entrepreneurship. The university is also partnering with Community Teamwork Inc., a non-profit organization that helps low-income individuals become self-sufficient, to integrate digital literacy training into its Job Readiness Program. This five-week program helps unemployed participants re-enter the workforce, teaching them interview skills, resume writing techniques, email tips, and Microsoft® Office software.

In addition, the university has opened nine public computer centers, providing visitors free access to more than 48 workstations. BTOP funding has also allowed the university to hire nine computer trainers and offer some of its digital literacy classes in both English and Spanish.

Last updated: January 10, 2012

Reports and Documents

Reports to NTIA: