ZData-Burton+Street

This project is about establishing a community learning, employment and business incubation network. The aim is to: 1. Enhance the technological capacity and range of community programs of the Burton St Community Technology Center in order to broaden skill base of children, youth and adults. 2. Develop the opportunities for community based organization collaboration including Green Opportunities - a local youth green job training organization. The proposed two main functions of the Center are a Computer Lab and Multimedia Production. The Burton St Community Center services predominantly low income African American neighborhoods in the City of Asheville and is a “Safe Haven” within the West Riverside Operation Weed and Seed area, the funding for which was based on clearly defined needs associated with high rates of poverty and crime. Research ( Mossberger, Tolbert and Gilbert 2005) suggests that r // acial segregation and concentrated poverty explain the paradox that African-Americans have more positive attitudes toward information technology, but lower rates of access and skill. African Americans residing in areas of concentrated poverty were statistically less likely to have access to a home computer than African Americans residing in more affluent zip codes, all else equal. The consistency with which African-Americans connected the issue of technology with economic opportunity across a range of survey questions indicates the motivation to overcome economic disadvantage and discrimination as a powerful reason for more positive attitudes toward using public access or learning new computer skills. // The problems of poverty and associated lack of social cohesion need to be addressed on the individual as well as community level. By enhancing the capacity of the Burton St CTC and forging closer relationships with local service providers this project will affect the following outcomes: The CTC will serve the West Riverside Weed and Seed area (see map) The project coordinator (Brett Sculthorp) is a community resident and a masters level social worker who is employed by a local nonprofit (ARP/Phoenix) that provides other services to the community. He is a member of the Burton Street Community Association which has been in existence for about 15 years and has achieved many community development successes (e.g. increase in community activism, crime reduction, increase in community services, traffic calming). Technical partnerships include community based video producer Rainer Doost Ph.D., the IT Manager for the City of Asheville, the IT manager for Asheville City Schools, a local “geek” network and Asheville Design Studio. GO participants **f) Overall cost of the proposed project**. $2,600 – workstation renovation/storage   $41,007.63- equipment   $30,100 - training  **8. Project Purpose:** Referring to Application Guidance for this section, in a comprehensive overview of your Project, please clearly and concisely describe the following. Please provide specific data and relevant analysis to support your claims. [Two Page Limit] // The evidence suggests that the information age has transformed existing disparities in very poor communities, particularly inner-city neighborhoods, into digital inequalities as well. We argue that this has consequences for economic and political participation, and for full citizenship in society. // // Racial segregation and concentrated poverty explain the paradox that African-Americans have more positive attitudes toward information technology, but lower rates of access and skill. African Americans residing in areas of concentrated poverty were statistically less likely to have access to a home computer than African Americans residing in more affluent zip codes, all else equal. The consistency with which African-Americans connected the issue of technology with economic opportunity across a range of survey questions indicates the motivation to overcome economic disadvantage and discrimination as a powerful reason for more positive attitudes toward using public access or learning new computer skills. The barrier to home access is affordability, but the barrier for use is skill and education. // // The problem is not apathy about technology – for African-Americans living in middle-class or affluent areas, there is no digital divide. But, those who live in the poorest neighborhoods and communities experience the digital divide as yet another form of social exclusion or “capability poverty” (Sen 1993). Just as concentrated poverty erects structural barriers that limit educational opportunities, access to jobs, and social mobility, so too it restricts information technology access and use. The exact mechanisms that limit technology access and use merit further exploration. Causes for this outcome may be insufficient support and encouragement offered in schools or other public institutions, in employment, or through personal social networks. If access and use are a matter of only individual income, then vouchers based on need might be an effective policy response. But, the significance of individual educational attainment and environmental factors both suggest that more complex solutions are needed – those that provide support for skill acquisition, and programs that are targeted to poor communities as well as poor individuals. These may include community technology centers and library programs; opportunities for acquiring technology skills through adult education, community colleges or job training programs; and improvements to the quality of education in low-income communities. The policy implications are clear, even without a more precise understanding of how concentrated poverty limits digital opportunity. The message is that place matters and that effective policy requires targeted solutions. Technology inclusion is less a matter of persuasion or demonstrating relevance than providing more chances to use technology and to develop necessary skills. // Crime and violence tend to be high in areas in which at least 20 percent of the residents are poor. These areas are often characterized by high concentrations of poverty and unemployment, high levels of residential instability, family disruption, crowded housing, drug-distribution networks, and low community participation. These areas also tend to have high rates of school dropouts, high rates of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy, and a disproportionate number of households headed by women. Also poor neighborhoods tend to be characterized by disorganization or a lack of neighborhood cohesion, and as a result, frequently lack effective social controls. The NC State Crime Index for 2000 was ranked the 9th highest in the country (49.0/1000 of pop.) and the counties comprising the Western Highlands LME had significantly lower Crime Indices (an average of 29.8/1000 of pop.). In Buncombe County the rate was 29.8 however in Asheville the rate was 51.7. This higher rate for Asheville is also reflected in data from the Asheville Police Department for two census blocks in the West Asheville area comprising relatively high density low income housing (including the Burton Street neighborhood). Whereas year 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that 22% of households external to the Weed and Seed Study Area (see attachment) had an annual income of under $15,000, 25% of the households in the Study Area (Tracts 10 and 11) were below this level. For Tract 10, 34% of households had incomes under $15,000. Violent crime in this proposed Weed and Seed Study Area is markedly higher than in the region outside the Study Area (the rest of Asheville) for the financial year July 04-June-05. On average there were 1,113 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the Study Area as compared to 603 crimes per 100,000 people outside the Study Area. This suggests that reported violent crime is 85% higher in the Study Area; notably, Aggravated Assaults are more than twice as likely in this region. Another violent crime indicator, presence of "gun" or "weapon" in the call for service notes field, suggests that calls for service in the Study Area are more than 50% more likely to involve a gun or weapon. The per capita rate of drug calls for service, when compared to the region outside the Study Area, is 170% higher. Similarly, drug-related arrests associated with incidents that occurred in the Study Area are about 80% higher per capita (49 drug arrests per 1000 compared with 27 for the rest of Asheville). The following goals and objectives are about the digital divide in low income communities which contributes to a cycle of poverty. They do not amount to a poverty eradication strategy but they do address significant elements – knowledge, skills, empowerment, cohesion. Goals Objectives i.  Children and youth will have will have increased access to computers and wireless broadband after school Increasing access to and an interest in technology as well as community building, are well documented, basic strategies. The combination of the types of technology (e.g. music production, cloud computing), learning and empowerment strategies, and job skill orientation, may be unique but it just requires active community participation, systems perspective and commitment. The West Riverside area is an underserved area in terms of broadband access and the types of technologies proposed in this project. This project includes broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to the Burton St. CTC which serves predominantly African American families as well as Green Opportunities, a youth job training program that also serves these families. Broadband demand will be stimulated by: § By upgrading old computers – faster, more reliable § Providing a greater depth of software – broader learning options § Providing technologies that target the “sparks” of children and youth § Providing steps towards better grades and job options – tangible, high priority incentives § Providing assistive technologies that enable people with disabilities to use the technologies § Establishing an ethos for the center that is about possibilities and empowerment **9. Recovery Act and Other Governmental Collaboration.** Describe how your project will leverage Recovery Act or other federal or state developmental programs. Please identify the programs themselves and the dollar value associated with each. In addition, describe how the collaboration can lead to greater project efficiencies. [One Page Limit] i.  This project will leverage about $3000 in federal Weed and Seed funding for the CTC. Money has been for ISP payments, purchasing a multimedia projector, and contracting with a trainer. ii. 21st Century Learning Center funding… iii. The federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant which is passed through the State of North Carolina supports the work of the project coordinator and is equivalent to $4800 over two years. The above funding has allowed for development of an organizational framework for the CTC as well as helping with access and continuity of services. 10. **Enhanced Services for Health Care Delivery, Education and Children**. If applicable, describe how your project will enhance broadband service for health care delivery, education, and children as contemplated by the Recovery Act. Projects would need to demonstrate that they go beyond providing access to broadband to include more robust educational, health care, or related broadband service delivery. [One Page Limit] The priority target for the CTC is youth and children and the primary function is after school activity that will extend the school day and year. This can be achieved through cloud computing. 11. **Small and Disadvantaged Business Involvement.** If applicable, indicate whether you have established agreements in principle to create relationships with any socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern, as defined by Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 USC § 637, that may include a sub-awardee, contractor, subcontractor, or vendor. [ 1/2 Page Limit, plus attachments]    12. **Public Availability.** Will your facility be available to all members of the general public, or a specific population only? Please explain. If you charge membership dues or other fees for the population you are proposing to serve, please explain how these charges are consistent with the public interest. [One Page Limit] The CTC will be available to the general public and no fees or membership dues will be charged. 13. **Restrictions on Center Use.** If the use of your center(s) is restricted to certain purposes, please identify those and explain the reasons for the restrictions. [1/2 Page Limit] The Center restrictions only relate to the capacity and designation of the rooms (e.g. kitchen, weight room, video production), the need to protect the equipment and to have supervision where necessary. The broader limits relate to the time the facility is open – when a City of Asheville employee is present. 14. **Accessibility.** Please describe the ways in which your center(s) will be accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. [1 Page Limit] The existing facilities are wheel chair accessible but there are no assistive technologies for computer or other technology use. Funding for assistive technologies has been included in this budget. 15. **Center** **Locations.** What is/are the location(s) of your new/expanded Public Computer Center(s)? Burton St Community Technology Center 134 Burton St Asheville NC 28806 The renovations will be in the basement of this facility. 16. **Center** **Capacity.** Please complete the following key metrics chart, referring to sample and Guidelines: Proposed Facility Broadband Connection Speed ? Current Facility Broadband Connection Speed 2MBps Proposed number of broadband work stations 8 plus 7 laptops Current number of broadband work stations 8 Proposed hours open Per 48-hour Weekend 5 Current Hours Open Per 48-hour Weekend 5 Proposed hours open Per 120-hour Business Week 52 Current Hours Open Per 120-hour Business Week 52 Computer Center Name/Type Burton St Community Center/City Facility 17. **Size and Scope of Target Audience.** For the computer locations you described above, please complete the following table indicating the size and scope of your target population, and targets for persons served in each center, referring to the sample.
 * 2b. Project Description **
 * 7. Executive Summary **
 * a) A statement of the problem or need your project addresses with regard to improving broadband service adoption rates. **
 * b) Your overall approach to addressing the need, and [for Sustainable Adoption projects] how your approach is innovative. **
 * 1) Community building
 * 2) Technology access
 * 3) Interest in technology and learning
 * 4) Closer relationship with school system
 * 5) Increased breadth in skill building
 * 6) Increased job readiness
 * c) Area(s) to be served; population of the target area(s), including demographic information; and [for Public Computer Centers] the estimated number of potential users of your public computer center(s) **
 * d) Qualifications of the applicant that demonstrate the ability to implement the project and achieve its intended results. **
 * e) Jobs to be saved or created. **
 * The significance of the problem to be addressed. **
 * The degree to which the proposed solution effectively addresses the problem **
 * 1) Community building
 * 2) Technology access
 * 3) Interest in technology and learning
 * 4) Closer relationship with school system
 * 5) Increased breadth in skill building
 * 6) Increased job readiness
 * 1) The “cloud computing” network will provide continuity with school work and therefore extend the school day and school year. Also in out of school suspension students may still be able to access work and not fall behind.
 * 2) Children and youth will have access to a broader range of technology and media that allow for more creative self expression and therefore interest in use of broadband
 * 3) The range of technologies available will allow for the combination of self expression and job skill development.
 * 4) Intergenerational relationships can be enhanced through mutual learning programs that could include basic computer skills and community story telling.
 * 5) Nurture content development and projects that are focused on individual and community empowerment through for example the exploration of individual and community identity and development of social entrepreneurial skills.
 * 6) Social justice is high on the agenda for the Burton St community which is threatened by another highway expansion project. Increased access to broadband technologies can allow people to come together for community journalism projects.
 * 7) Collaboration with Green Opportunities (GO), a youth green jobs training organization, is an important example of community building and also development of job readiness and access to and interest to provide computing skills (e.g. basic skills and GIS). There can be a synergistic relationship such that this the CTC can be a renovation site for GO training.
 * 8) Connect residents with community college and joblink once completed trainings
 * 9) Provide assistive technology for residents with disabilities (alternative keyboards, voice recognition software etc) and thereby increasing their potential to be functional engaged citizens.
 * 10) Increase scope for residents to increase social capital by developing broader social networks and collaborations. This will be achieved in part through computer use in conjunction with a Parent Resource Network program.
 * Degree to which project can be replicated by other organizations. **
 * The degree to which both the problem and proposed solution advance one or more of the five BTOP statutory purposes. **
 * - Provide improved broadband access to consumers in underserved areas **
 * - Provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to community anchor institutions, job-creating strategic facilities, and vulnerable populations **
 * - Stimulate demand for broadband **

Center Name || Total # persons in service area || Service area identifier || Number of persons served per 120-hour business week || Number of persons served per 48-hour weekend || Proposed number of persons served per120-hour business week || Proposed number of persons served per 48-hour weekend || Burton St Community Center/ City Recreation Center || || West Asheville Weed and Seed Study area – Census Tract 10 Block Groups 1-3 - Census Tract 11 Block Groups 1-2 || || ||  ||  ||

18. **Population Demographics.** Indicate the demographic category or categories your program will serve by completing the questions below 19. Outreach. Please describe your outreach strategy to ensure usage of services and equipment provided in your program proposal, and why you have chosen this strategy 20. **Peripherals and Equipment.** What specific types of personal computing peripherals and/or broadband equipment do you intend to provide for each workstation? [Limit 1/2 Page] 21. **Workstation Software.** What type of software do you intend to provide for each workstation? [Limit 1/2 page] __ Computer Lab __ Geographic Information Systems e.g. Arcview MS Office/Open Office Kidspiration Adobe Paint Shop Pro Website creation? Others? __ Video Production __ Adobe CS4 Premier Pro Editing Software 22. **Training and Education Programs.** Please describe your primary training and educational programs, including curricula, student certification programs, and number of instructors and their qualifications. Explain how these relate to demonstrated needs within your community, and detail any lessons learned from prior programs.

Program || Curricula |||| Instructors || Relationship to needs || Lessons from prior implementation || || ||  Number || Qualifications || || || GED and Credit Recovery || || 1 ||  ||  Targeting dropouts, suspended students || || GIS || || 1 ||  Masters students and practitioners from City and local GIS network || Higher end skills to increase expectations, meet needs of Green Opportunities and other nonprofits, and potential for business development || || Basic computer skills || || 1 ||  ||  ||  || Video Production || || 1 ||  Local video producers || || || Recording for radio || || 1 ||  People working with WPVM || || || Internet safety || || 1 ||  ||  ||  || MS Office/Open Office || || 1 ||  ||  ||  || Job searching/resume writing || || 1 ||  ||  ||  || Website design || || 1 ||  ||  ||  ||

23. **Technology Strategy. For Public Computer Center projects:** Please describe the overall technology plan you intend to deploy in your program. If appropriate, please include engineering certifications for broadband network WAN/LAN build-outs, what primary types of network equipment and technology you plan to use, and how you will ensure a reliable, secure, and user-friendly system for the public users of your broadband access facilities. Cloud computing networking and security **24. Management Team Resumes.** Provide resumes and/or biographical summaries for the members of your senior management team and project team, emphasizing skills and experience relevant to the proposed program. Please refer to specific projects and outcomes that demonstrate the team's ability to execute this project based on past experience, and to manage federal funds effectively. [Each resume can be up to one page; limit biographical summaries to 1/2 page.] The project coordinator (Brett Sculthorp) is a community resident and a masters level social worker who is employed by a local nonprofit (ARP/Phoenix) that provides other services to the community. Brett has been managing community projects for ARP/Phoenix for almost five years. He is a member of the Burton Street Community Association which has been in existence for about 15 years and has achieved many community development successes (e.g. increase in community activism, crime reduction, increase in community services, traffic calming). DeWayne Barton, whose family have been residents in the community for generations, is the current president of the Community Association and the Co-Director of Green Opportunities. Technical partnerships include community based video producer Rainer Doost Ph.D., the IT Manager for the City of Asheville, the IT manager for Asheville City Schools, a local “geek” network and Asheville Design Studio. 25. **Organizational Readiness.** Please describe key factors that demonstrate your organization will be prepared to implement, operate, and sustain your project using federal funds. Include past experience in managing projects of comparable size and complexity. [One Page Limit] The Burton St Community Association 26. **Organizational Chart.** Please attach a chart describing how the project team relates to the overall structure of your organization. ** Burton St. Community Association ** ** Secretary ** Safi Mahaba || ** Treasurer ** Zani Davidson || ** President ** DeWayne Barton ||

** Community Members ** Brett Sculthorp ||

27. **Key Partners.** Provide a list of key partners (from the public, private and non-profit sectors), including community anchor institutions and public safety entities, community organizations, vendors or contributors of in-kind or cash support, and/or other resources which are integral to the success of this project. For each, include the name and title of a contact person, the organization's name, and its role in or contribution to the project. Support from partners may include funding, educational or training services, technical advice or support, outreach, facilities, or other products or services.

** Partner Organization ** |||| ** Contact Person ** || ** Contribution ** || || ** Name ** || ** Title ** || || ARP/Phoenix Prevention Services || Brett Sculthorp || Prevention Coordinator || Coordination || Mountain Area Information Network || Wally Bowen || Executive Director || Donation of equipment, || West Riverside Operation Weed and Seed || Dawa Hitch || Director || Coordination with other community projects || City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Department || Roderick Simmons || Superintendent || Oversight of project || City of Asheville Information al Technology Department || Jonathan Feldman || Director || IT consultation || Asheville Design Center || Chris Joyell || Executive Director || Community development || Green Opportunities || Dan Leroy || Co-Director || Training consultation || || Rainer Doost PhD || Videographer || Equipment consultation || Partners Unlimited || Anderson Davis || || Program facilitation, Technology partner || || ||  ||  || ||  ||  ||  || ||  ||  ||  ||

28. **Partnering with Disadvantaged Businesses:** If applicable, indicate whether you have established agreements in principle to partner with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses (SDB), as defined by Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 USC § 637. Please list the company, a contact person, and briefly describe the partnership purpose. [Limit 1/2 Page] While we have not established agreements as yet, this is indeed a goal and through our association with Green Opportunities, there is potential for their graduates to establish businesses (which would qualify under the act) that could use the facilities. 29. **Project Timeline and Challenges.** Please provide a detailed implementation plan on a quarterly basis that shows the phases of the project and establishes key milestones. Include such activities as construction, staffing and hiring, resource development, staff training, equipment purchases, and installation. Also, include a description of key challenges or risks to the timely completion of the project, including any mitigation plans to address the risks. [Two Page Limit]

** Quarters ** || || ** 1 ** ||  ** 2 ** ||  ** 3 ** ||  ** 4 ** ||  ** 5 ** ||  ** 6 ** ||  ** 7 ** ||  ** 8 ** || Renovate lab workstations || || || ||  ||  ||  ||  ||  || Install new lab computers and software || || || ||  ||  ||  ||  ||  || Link to Cloud network || || || ||  ||  ||  ||  ||  || Begin lab trainings/classes || || ||  || ||  ||  ||  ||  || Purchase video equipment || || || ||  ||  ||  ||  ||  || Equipment set up || || ||  || ||  ||  ||    ||  || Trainings || ||  ||  ||  || ||  ||  ||  ||
 * Task ** ||||||||||||||||
 * Task ** ||||||||||||||||

30. **Licenses and Regulatory Approvals.** If applicable, please list any local, state, or federal licenses and regulatory approvals required to complete your project, and indicate the status of each. 31. **Legal Opinion.** Please attach a legal opinion that addresses the Applicant's ability to enter into the award agreement and briefly describe any relevant pending litigation matters. 32. **Budget Narrative.** Please provide a narrative that explains the project budget (as proposed on SF-424 A and/or SF-424 C and spending plan (timeline) in sufficient detail for reviewers to determine whether the expenditures are necessary and appropriate to the solution you are proposing. [Two Page Limit] 33. **Budget Reasonableness**. Concisely and convincingly explain why the costs you propose are reasonable to carry out your project, are eligible, and the allocation of funds will be sufficient to complete the tasks outlined in the project plan. Provide any relevant data and summaries of your analysis. [One Page Limit]  34. **Demonstration of Financial Need.** Provide documentation that the project would not have been implemented during the grant period without federal grant assistance. This documentation may consist of, but is not limited to, such items as a denial of funding from a public or private lending institution, denial of a funding request from a foundation or other organization, or a current fiscal year budget that shows the lack of available revenue options for funding the project. 35. **Historical Financial Statements.** Provide detailed organization financial statements for the last two years: a) Income Statement; b) Balance Sheet; and c) Statement of Cash Flows. If your organization was established less than two years ago, provide all available information. 37. **Matching Funds.** Please describe the matching funds (both cash and in-kind) you plan to devote to this project and document their source(s), include the percentage of your matching funds and whether the match is all cash. Attach letters of commitment from proposed sources, if applicable. **If you have requested a waiver of the matching requirement, provide a letter attachment clearly defining your need. An applicant applying for a waiver should submit complete financial documentation, including its assets, liabilities, operating expenses and revenues, and any other documents that would demonstrate financial need, such as a denial of funding from a public or private lending institution.** 38. **Unjust Enrichment.** Please state whether this project is receiving, or if you have applied for, any Federal support for non-recurring costs in the area for which you are seeking an award. If so, please state how much and from which federal program. 39. **Disclosure of Federal and/or State Funding Sources.** Please disclose the source and amount of other federal or state funding received or requested for activities or projects to which this project relates. Please specify all Universal Service Fund (USF) funding delineated by specific program. 40. **Buy American.** Are you seeking a waiver of the Buy American provision? NO