2002 Grantees : Projects: Illinois

Illinois

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Projects in Illinois

Chicago Public School Program consists of 14 elementary schools selected because of the high number of students with limited English proficiency and eligibility for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Using National Educational Technology Standards, teachers engage students in technology projects to assist with improving reading, writing and research skills. During the day, a mobile computer center increases access. Laptops are used for classroom instruction to complete real-life tasks, conduct research and create multi-disciplinary projects. Community programs are available in all schools so laptops may be used easily in non-school hours. Schools participating include: Beidler School, Carver Primary School, Chopin School, Corkery Elementary, Field Elementary School, Lara Academy, Lloyd Elementary, Marconi Academy, Mireles Academy, Montefiore Special School, Owen Scholastic Academy, Palmer School, Parkside Elementary and Ross Elementary.

Uhlich Children's Home developed Enhancing Foster Parenting Through Technology, an innovative project that increases the effectiveness of foster care by linking foster parents to vital resources. The project offers technology training for parents to access information, communicate with caseworkers, save money on transportation and improve their children's education.

The One Economy Corporation is dedicated to improve the standard of living for low-income residents by addressing their economic and social isolation. Through a home-based Internet strategy, One Economy works with community partners to provide computers and Internet access. Training and comprehensive Web-based content expand opportunities for more informed decisions. Their consumer Web site, The Beehive, is a virtual support network to help residents move into the economic mainstream, build social/economic capital, access jobs, health care advice, financial services, educational resources and government services in English and Spanish.

Working in select neighborhoods, One Economy unites schools, landlords, employers and other long-time community institutions to reorder their business practices to be more responsive to targeted households. Collaborative community partners include:

Cabrini Connections, whose “Tutor/Mentor Connection” program provides a variety of one-on-one and group tutor/mentor programs to teens. Service learning projects help children move from poverty to careers and college. Internet access and digital media projects also offer a worldwide audience of volunteers, donors and leaders.

Chicago Housing Authority has played a key role in providing housing options for low- to moderate-income families for more than 60 years. This program focuses on 150 units of replacement housing in the former Cabrini Green Housing Development. Children are enrolled in neighborhood schools with technology training and support for this laptop at-home program.