Increasing digital inclusion and literacy where the digital divide is the greatest.

Community Connects is a Net Literacy program that has built hundreds of computer labs to increase computer access to the underserved. Community Connects provides a computer or computer lab to HUD and Section 8 apartment with 50 or more dwelling units, community centers, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, public libraries, schools and to K12 families without a computer at home.

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Learning to use a mouse for the first time is as easy as playing cards

Community Connects has repurposed and donated over 44,000 computers and increased Internet access to over 250,000 individuals, and especially youths on the wrong side of the digital divide. Computer, Internet, and Internet safety training is taught to those individuals receiving access to computers and the Internet. Our efforts have been supported by the Indiana General Assembly, the Governor, numerous City Councils, Town Councils, Boards of Supervisors, County Commissioners, Mayors and Town Managers, including the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne mayors, U.S. Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen. Our programs have been honored by two American Presidents, one which was conducted in a private White House ceremony.

A new computer lab at a public library thanks to a 75 county computer donation program — A new computer lab at the library

Student volunteers have also learned job and life skills while giving back to their community, as they have built dozens of websites for nonprofits not previously having an online presence and have strengthened communities by building community portals to bring neighborhoods together.

One person at a time – Community Connects increases computer access where the digital divide is the greatest. Check out a PSA that shows how Net Literacy brought the TechPoint Foundation, Bright House Networks and the City of Indianapolis together to increase digital inclusion and literacy within the Indianapolis Public Schools district by clicking on the video below!

Learn more about Community Connects by clicking on “About Community Connects” at the top of this page. Read how an individual student can start their own Community Connects program in the FAQ section, lesson plans that are in English, Spanish and Russian, research about the effectiveness of this program, photos of students engaged in the Community Connects program, and trusted resources.