Transforming Communities though Service: A Collection of the Most Innovative AmeriCorps State and Volunteer Generation Fund Programs in the United States _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The success that CTEP has enjoyed in marketing and implementing the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments has moved nationally beyond its network. For example, Robbinsdale Area Schools and Normandale Community College, in the Twin Cities, will begin using the Northstar assessments to assess the needs of incoming students. Further, the curriculum is being shared and adopted in libraries across the country. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) singled out CTEP as a national model for community partnership in teaching technology literacy to low-income communities. In March 2010, the FCC invited a CTEP member to provide testimony before members of Congress at the Digital Inclusion Summit in Washington, DC. Inspired in part by the success of CTEP, the FCC is now considering the development of a National Digital Literacy Corps.
Secrets to Success CTEP's own experience supports the critical need for technology literacy programming in disadvantaged communities, where access to computers, the Internet and effective instruction are scarce. Individual’s skill-building progress is measured through online pre- and postassessments specifically designed to measure proficiency in the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards. Not only do the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments provide CTEP with an objective manner to measure increases in technology literacy, but passing the assessments also provides basic technology skill certification to participants which assists in obtaining employment. Following certification, participants work with CTEP members to apply these skills in real-world settings: searching for jobs and completing online job applications. CTEP’s success also comes from its ability to respond to the needs of the communities it serves. CTEP’s success in closing these gaps has led US Senator Amy Klobuchar to endorse CTEP as a “vital asset” in bridging this digital divide. One hundred percent of CTEP partner agencies in the last four years reported an increase in their capacity to serve underserved residents as the result of the CTEP AmeriCorps Members' service. Last year, CTEP surpassed performance targets in all areas: CTEP members taught technology skills to over 6,500 participants and of those receiving job coaching over 500 gained employment. CTEP members mobilized over 700 volunteers who served over 21,000 hours. Members completed 185 capacity-building projects at 27 sites, surpassing our goal of 90 projects. CTEP’s track record of 100% enrollment and retention of our members for the past four years further demonstrates that the positive and powerful experience the program provides for members as well as the impact made on the community.
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