The Community Technology Empowerment Project

CTEP AmeriCorps is a program of Saint Paul Neighborhood Network

CTEP’s Mission:
The AmeriCorps Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) bridges the “digital divide” for recent immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. AmeriCorps members help youth and adults use technology to better access social, civic, educational and economic opportunities.

Project History:
In July of 2004, four partner organizations interested in providing better technology access for metro area low-income residents were awarded a three-year AmeriCorps grant for a new program– The Community Technology Empowerment Project, (CTEP).  The CTEP project meets this critical need using a grassroots, neighborhood-based “technology empowerment” strategy. In this way, the project addresses the well being of children, youth and families by providing new opportunities for economic development and educational achievement in targeted communities.

CTEP Program Goals and Activities:
The primary goal of this project is to help partner agencies utilize their existing community technology resources to better serve the needs of both youth and adults within their local neighborhoods, especially new immigrant, low-income residents and persons with disabilities.

A secondary goal is teach agency staff, volunteers and visitors how to use new technologies (including digital video and web) in order to help their constituents connect with existing civic, social service and community resources.

Additionally, all AmeriCorps CTEP members are required to mobilize volunteers at their host sites, participate in member development activities, and learn about civic engagement during their service year.

About AmeriCorps:
Congress provides funding for the AmeriCorps program through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Federal funding for AmeriCorps projects covers Members living allowances for 12 months, and includes an educational stipend following successful completion of Members’ service year. Visit www.americorps.org/ to learn more about AmeriCorps and CNCS.

Program Partners for the 2009-2010 Program Year:
Science Museum of Minnesota
Casa de Esperanza
CommonBond Communities
Emerge Community Development
Employment Action Center
Eco Education
Hope Community, Inc.
La Escuelita
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
MN WorkForce Center
Neighborhood Learning Community
Neighborhood House
Project for Pride in Living
Pillsbury United Communities
Saint Paul Public Library
Saint Paul Neighborhood Network
Wilder Foundation

The CTEP program is made possible through generous support from the following local foundations:

ADC Foundation
Best Buy Children’s Foundation
Digital Inclusion Fund (Minneapolis Foundation)
Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board