Computer training for low-income seniors and minorities funded by SBC Foundation grant

Peoria, Illinois. . .October 4, 2002. . .Bradley University will extend its computer training program for senior citizens to include targeted low-income seniors and minorities as a result of a $22,500 SBC Excelerator grant from the SBC Foundation.

The grant monies will provide scholarship support for up to 250 registrations by identified low-income senior citizens and minorities. Bradley will work closely with the Central Illinois Agency on Aging to enroll qualified seniors, and the grant will be available for a period of one year, or until the funds are expended. Seating is limited to 15 persons per class, so interested parties may be put on a waiting list until space is available.

"We recognize that many people who would benefit from our classes are unable to afford the $50 fee for each class even through our fees are very competitive in the Peoria market," said Sue Manley, Program Director in Continuing Education at Bradley. "We believe that every person who wants to learn about computers should receive the highest quality instruction available and through the generosity of the SBC Foundation we will be able to make that happen for many in our community."

Bradley Continuing Education opened a computer classroom 4 years ago and has developed a series of six-hour non-credit computer workshops to teach senior citizens how to use personal computers and several popular software programs. In the past year an increased number of participants have indicated a need to learn about computers to enable them to qualify for part-time jobs to supplement their incomes. In addition, the Workforce Development agency has referred clients to the program.

"We developed SBC Excelerator for programs, like this cooperative, to help build thriving, connected communities regardless of barriers," said Dennis Pauley, director of external affairs for SBC Ameritech Illinois, noting that $1.7 million in SBC Excelerator grants were awarded statewide. "The grants program will help increase technology capacity, joining people and communities to each other now and well into the future."

SBC, through the SBC Foundation and corporate giving, donated nearly $99 million in 2001 to support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide. The SBC Foundation, the charitable giving arm of SBC Communications Inc. and its family of companies, including SBC Ameritech, supports programs that increase access to information technologies, broaden technology training and professional skills development, and effectively integrate new technologies to enhance education and economic development -- especially for underserved populations.

For more information about computer training for seniors at Bradley, contact Debbie at 677-2820 or call the Central Illinois Agency on Aging at 674-2071.