Mayor recommends projects to promote broadband, digital literacy; Four are in Central District

Mayor Mike McGinn has offered recommendations for 24 awardees of the City’s 2013 Technology Matching Fund. The recommendations move to City Council for approval.

Pending council approval, these 24 organizations will receive a total of $320,000 in matching funds. The funding will ultimately assist a range of residents in need, from the unemployed and homeless to low-income entrepreneurs, at-risk youth, immigrants and refugees, seniors, and people with disabilities. The projects all involve technology literacy and internet access.

“Technology access and skills have increased for many of our residents but there are still significant gaps and opportunities for improvement for full participation in our digital society,” said Mayor McGinn in a press release last week. “The Technology Matching Fund is our way of bridging that gap and reaching those with technological needs.”

Among the winners are four Central District organizations: Powerful Voices, Hollow Earth Radio, Umoja PEACE Center, and the Eritrean Community in Seattle & Vicinity.

According to the City’s press release,

The recommended projects were initially chosen by Seattle’s technology advisory board from 53 applications. They will provide hardware, software and training that helps residents use broadband and digital media for education, workforce development, public safety and youth violence prevention, ending homelessness, and inclusive public engagement.

For more information and a map of recommended Technology Matching Fund awardees, visit the City of Seattle’s website.

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