BTOP Funding: The Freedom Rings Partnership

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding: Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

• $18 million to Philadelphia to address technology access and digital literacy in our city

• The City of Philadelphia, Urban Affairs Coalition, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and municipal agencies

• Establishing over 80 technology and training locations – known as KEYSPOTS – that offer:– technology access– high-speed internet connectivity, and – critical training opportunities

Indicator As of March 2013

As of Sept 2013

Open KEYSPOTS 79 79

Workstations 847 847

Average clients per week 4,733 3,365

Hours of training 208,780 230,000

Participants trained 22,544 24,800

Netbooks distributed 4,852 5,054

Total Participants served (cumulative) 337,336 430,300

Freedom Rings Partnership Impact

Note: the information reflects Philadelphia’s PCC and SBA grant metrics.

Outcomes and Evaluation

Outcomes:• The partnership strengthens capacity of partners to advance a collective agenda;• Partners attract and meet needs of target populations;• Participants attain increased levels of education and improved employment status;• BTOP sites serve as hubs for community engagement; and• Participants adopt broadband.

Evaluation Process and Design:• Participatory -- partners co-develop indicators, methods• Mixed methods:

• NTIA data• GIS mapping• Workstation User Survey• Interviews/Focus Groups/Observation

Best Practices and Challenges

Best Practices/Challenges: • Relationship building and transparency are paramount • Diversity of the Partnership /stake holders• Demonstrating the relevancy to the broader tech community• Subscription vs. Adoption

Unanticipated (or secondary) outcomes: • Integration of technology into organizational mission• Community engagement

Implementation Strategies: • Leveraging statewide contracts for hardware purchases• Professional Development• Broad awareness and localized outreach

Convene and coordinate a citywide effort to address digital inclusion in Philadelphia focusing the attention of elected officials, press, and philanthropies.

Support high-performing non-profit organizations through capacity building and technical assistance efforts.

Provide letters of support to organizations who are applying for related funding opportunities to sustain and expand digital inclusion efforts across the city.

Create a city-wide referral system where organizations are knowledgeable and actively aware of related or complementary educational, recreational, and public assistance programs.

Value of the Partnership

City of Philadelphia Funding Fiscal Years 2014-16

19 Parks & Rec KEYSPOTS4 Free Library managed

HotSpots

487,600

10 Community-Based Organizations

136,000

Total Annual Funding 624,000

Sustaining KEYSPOTS

Structure

Partnership Network