Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) has awarded OneCommunity an $18.7 million, two-year grant funded by the Recovery Act.  Of the $11.7 million in funding dedicated to the implementation of Connect Your Community (CYC) projects in Ohio, the Akron Urban League has been awarded about $2 million. The CYC project will bridge the technological divide and increase economic opportunities in vulnerable and low-income communities in Akron, Ohio, by implementing a neighbor-to-neighbor, broadband adoption and awareness campaign. The innovative and collaborative strategy will create 13 jobs, expand broadband adoption by 3,500 new users in the Akron area, and ultimately benefit about 7,700 Akron residents. 

"OneCommunity's $2 million partnership with the Akron Urban League will bring 13 much-needed jobs to our community and create 3,500 new broadband users," Rep. Sutton said. "Funding for this important project will help connect Ohio, and expand economic opportunities for Ohio workers and families by giving them the tools they need to help build and compete in a new, 21st century economy.

"According to Connect Ohio Residential and Business Technology Assessments, a 7 percent point increase in broadband adoption across Ohio could result in an additional 25,000 jobs created or saved per year, better access to goods and services, reduced health care costs, and fewer miles driven by Ohioans for a total direct economic impact of $5.2 billion annually," she said.

"Congresswoman Betty Sutton is doing a great job, and I'm thrilled because this is huge for the urban community and the Akron Urban League," said Bernett L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Akron Urban League.  "The digital divide is still very much alive and well in the urban community.  A big part of our mission is employment training and education, so this will give individuals a leg up in regards to knowing how to use technology when they're looking to enter the workplace. Also, this grant gives us an opportunity not only for training but for access.  Often you can't even conduct your job search without a wireless connection or without knowing how to access the internet, so the possibilities really are endless."

"We are excited to have the resources to simultaneously address the four key gaps in broadband adoption: access to the Internet, computers in the household, digital literacy, and beneficial use," said OneCommunity President Scot Rourke.  "We have a very innovative approach, great expertise and skilled partners.  Together we look forward to contributing to the national knowledge base on how to bridge the digital divide."

"Access to the internet means access to resources that can enhance opportunities for education, health care, employment and financial security," said Marc H. Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League.  "Studies have shown that fewer than half of African Americans have broadband internet connections at home.  When we invest in broadband internet access, we are helping people to be healthier, more educated and more financially stable, and that means a stronger community for everyone."

The Connect Your Community project will:
- Fund partnering agencies' capacity and ability to hire and train local residents to serve as a coordinated Connected Community Corps;
- Engage, train, equip and support thousands of disconnected community residents to become sustainable broadband adopters; and
- Collectively develop and share effective broadband adoption and use strategies to serve as a national model.

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