In the year 2000 Boricua College was informed by the Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation (Seedco) that we were approved a grant in connection with the Seedco AmeriCorps Digital Divide Program. This grant is funded by the Corporation for National Service (CNS).

Purpose
The Seedco/Americorp Digital Divide Program is designed to coordinate and leverage the resources of eight colleges and universities in seven low-asset communities to benefit them through technology-related services of trained and qualifies AmeriCorps members. The program will focus on using two applications of information technology – geographic information systems mapping and technology skills training centers – to build organizational and community capacity. Specifically AmeriCorps members will conduct research and compile data on community assets and challenges, provide computer skills training to local youth and adults, and recruit and train volunteers to assist them in these activities. These activities will create a new cadre of youth leadership who are versed in how to link technology to the development issues that limit low-asset communities from achieving their full potential and will build the capacity of community-based organizations to provide technology training to their staff and local residents

AmeriCorps Members Duties

• Work with the school community (staff administration) to develop a curriculum that links information technology and educational programs of the school. The students will be chose from the 21st Academy located in Upper Manhattan.
• Instruct Children within the partner school on the creation of a web page that links literacy and social studies curriculum.
• Collaborate with teachers within the school site in providing follow up activities in computer skills
• Promote the use of the children created web-page to other schools within the community.

Contact person:
Dr. Shivaji Sengupta, VP and Dean of Manhattan Campus
(212) 694-1000 ext. 617 ssengupta@boricuacollege.edu