Pixley Connect: Bringing Technology to Rural Communities

1. Pixley Connect:Bringing Technology to Rural Communities The Great Valley Center201 Needham StreetModesto, CA 95354In partnership with the University of California, Merced

2. FRESNO PIXLEY BAKERSFIELD

3. Why Pixley? • 10 computer units with internet access available for public use • 65% adults are English Language Learners • 89% do not own a computer and have no access to computers in the community • 91% have no basic computer skills • High percentage of youth in population and a low high school graduation rate • 100% perceive ‘technology’ as a tool to improve their lives and community (Survey September 2006)

4. About Pixley, California • 46 miles north of Bakersfield • 64 miles south of Fresno • Population: 3,000 • 650 households • Unincorporated • Limited access to vital community resources

5. Tulare Countyis growing quickly Source: Calif. Dept. of Finance;

6. Tulare also reflects the growing diversity of the San Joaquin Valley Source: Public Policy Institute of California; Calif. Dept. of Finance; 2000 Census

7. Internet Use Among Central Valley Latinos Trails Overall Averages Latino responses to:“How often do you use the Internet or e-mail?” Source: Public Policy Institute of California, June 2006 Central Valley Survey (2,000 residents polled in English and Spanish). Available online at www.ppic.org.

8. The Challenge:Ensuring Access to Technology in rural parts of the California

9. Spring 2006:AT&T and Great Valley Center form partnership to bring high speed access and training to Pixley, California

10. Vision: To bridge rural communities in the Central Valley with technology access Mission: Promote the community’s social and economic development through education and technology training

11. GoalTo promote community and economic development through technology training and education • Funded by $600,000 grant from the AT & T Foundation • Includes staff on the ground • Community Training Center • Trains local residents to be local experts

12. Pixley Connect is a three year project to be implemented in phases Phase One: Community education and training Phase Two: Community Technology Center and participation Phase 3: Pixley economic development

13. Phase One Community Outreach High speed internet access Computer literacy5 – 8th grade parents/student program

14. Phase Two Business survey and analysis Community Services & Training Center Teen leadership and training- First ‘Digital Connecters’ Team

15. Digital Connectors: What they do • The Pixley Digital Connectors help facilitate the use of broadband technology in the homes of Pixley residents. • They are trained and employed to use technology and provide technical assistance and computer education.

16. Phase Three Pixley Business Pavilion Economic Development Continue Phase One and Two activities

17. “Pixley is still in the 20th century, this project will brings us closer to the 21st century”-Pixley resident Pixley, CaliforniaSeptember 2006

18. Pixley Main Street - 2006

19. Pixley Says… • “Technology training means being able to get on computers in town to do research, homework and job searches without driving miles away” --Pixley student “Computers are fun and help me do homework” --4th grader • “Children and adults will have the opportunity to advance themselves in the community without leaving” --Pixley resident “It’s a great project for this unincorporated community, it’ll make the younger generation more educationally advanced and connected to the rest of the world, and business will function better”. --Paula Maestas, CSET staff • “It is needed, it’s about time” --Pixley resident • “Pixley Connect opens a world of opportunities, from jobs to college and economic integration” --Pixley Business owner

20. More resources available at:www.greatvalley.org The Great Valley Center201 Needham StreetModesto, CA 95354In partnership with the University of California, Merced