There was an interesting press release lately from the State of Illinois, about collaboration between the State other government, education, and industry groups. The collaborative grant that these organizations assembled and helped fund netted Illinois $73 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Of particular interest to Aging In Action and our readers is the $4.7 million award won by MyWay Village, a company that works to connect seniors with the internet. Their goal is to help senior citizens in 23 Illinois public housing communities to learn internet basics. MyWay Village, who additionally received funding for projects in Massachusetts with the Boston Housing Authority, will also be working with state organizations to help seniors find part time work, in part based on the new computer literacy that they’ll develop.
Other funds from this award will go toward expanding broadband in low-income and rural communities, which should help older Illinoisans connect with friends and family around the world.
Congrats to Illinois and MyWay Village! You can read the press release here through the Illinois Government News Network:
http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=8853
