The so called digital divide refers to the fact that low-income people have less access to computers and training in new technology, which is needed for jobs. The $16 million in federal funds will be accompanied by a $6 million from other organizations. The goal is to help individuals and small businesses in underserved communities.
"If you want to improve the quality of life of everyone in our city, we must make sure that every citizen, especially our students coming into any schools, have to be technology oriented, I don't care what they tell me, in order to get a job and that's going to be from every home and neighborhood in our great city," said Mayor Daley.
One program will provide free computer and internet access to more than 11,000 people at community centers run by non- profit groups.
