No Child Left Offline

Program Info click here to go to website Organization Type: Government Contact: Tracie Rotermann Project Manager Phone: 270-781-4320 Fax: 270-781-7611 Email: nclo@connectky.org Recent data indicates that Kentucky ranks 40th nationally in household computer ownership. Forty-two percent of Kentuckians claim that the lack of computer hardware as the primary barrier to broadband adoption. Working in partnership with state and local governments and various private companies, ConnectKentucky, through its No Child Left Offline is placing refurbished computers in the homes of Kentucky’s underprivileged families to address these connectivity issues. The networking lifespan of state computers is a relatively brief three years. Through the No Child Left Offline effort, surplus computers (Pentium III and above) are spared from landfills or bulk-parts pallet and instead, the computers are recycled and refurbished for use in the homes of Kentucky’s most needy families. Through Kentucky Correctional Industries, Kentucky inmates repair and clean the equipment prior to installing Windows XP and Microsoft Office software as well as CA security software to each computer. The refurbished computer is then matched with a new Lexmark printer and distributed. ConnectKentucky as part of Kentucky’s Prescription for Innovation manages No Child Left Offline and is a first-of-its kind project undertaken by any state government. The initiative aggregates usable computers from every agency in Kentucky state government, enlisting the logistical support of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, Kentucky Correctional Industries and the Education Cabinet. Additionally, private sponsors Microsoft Corporation, CA, Inc. and Lexmark International support the initiative through hardware and software donations. The pilot program has targeted Kentucky counties in the Appalachian region and will distribute more than 2,000 computers to eighth grade students in 2006. Recipients of the No Child Left Offline computers are selected for the program based on financial need and desire. ConnectKentucky works closely with local school systems to determine the most appropriate recipients for the program, targeting low-income eighth graders. Participating schools, with the assistance of the onsite Youth and Family Service Center, determine the recipients and communicate with parents and guardians regarding their eligibility and participation. The impact of No Child Left Offline goes beyond the students receiving the computers. The program provides entire households with the opportunity to access important technology hardware from their home. No Child Left Offline is an innovative initiative that is empowering Kentucky families and bridging the digital divide one household at a time.