Flint Area Technology and Internet Access Initiative

About this grant

Michigan’s economic future hinges on the quality of its human capital. In 2003, more than 200 Michigan schools failed to meet the standards established by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The Children’s Action Network was created to coordinate the efforts of state government resources in support of these high priority schools. However, additional resources are needed to reach all of the affected students, teachers, families and schools.Funding will supplement state resources to initiate the Flint Area Technology and Internet Access Initiative. The project will focus initially on 700 families living in publicly assisted housing in the Washington Elementary attendance area, spread to another 18 schools with assisted housing populations in Flint and subsequently throughout the state. Its goal is to encourage stable family conditions and help parents assist their children to achieve educationally. Specific activities will include wiring homes for computer access; offering low-cost or no-cost computers to targeted families; providing technical assistance for learning to the entire family; developing a Web portal specifically designed for the needs of low-income families; and offering programs to increase academic achievement among school-aged children.Michigan Virtual University (MVU) provides statewide Web-based programs and services to K-12 schools, colleges, universities and corporate learners. MVU will partner with One Economy Corporation and the University of Michigan-Flint to initiate the project.