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Faith Tech helps Bridge the Digital Divide
by Ami Jones and Joe Greene

Faith Tech, a program of the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance at the University of Pittsburgh, funded by the Vera Heinz Foundation, continues to grow! By the end of the year, we will have twelve centers located throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. The goal of Faith Tech is to bridge the digital divide by working with churches that function as community technology centers. These churches receive a “turn-key” package that includes computers, curriculum, training, recruitment assistance and an on-site AmeriCorps volunteer. In turn, the churches provide volunteers to teach classes, monitor the labs and provide general oversight.

Faith Tech develops these centers to help people bridge the digital divide within their own communities. As the new centers enter into the final stages of completion, we hope to receive a grant in January 2003 to open twelve more centers. Faith Tech will continue to develop centers around Pittsburgh and branch out into other counties of Pennsylvania. Future articles will discuss digital divide issues, highlight the success of different centers and provide information on how to get involved with Faith Tech. Please visit our website http://www.faithtechcenter.com/ to learn more about us.