Community Partners are critical to the success of the Chicago Connected initiative.
Community Partners conduct outreach to families to support enrollment in the Chicago Connected program, provide newly connected households with digital literacy and skills development training, and connect households with other critical resources.
We are fortunate that many of our community partners continue with the program from Year 1 in addition to welcoming some new partners. In Year 2 of the program, 23 community partners were selected to support the Chicago Connected program.
Our Chicago Connected Grant Guidelines outline the core deliverables, key dates and the application process, including eligibility and scoring criteria. If eligible, interested organizations are invited to submit proposals during open application windows. Currently, the application window is closed.
CBOs are responsible for conducting outreach activities, providing newly-connected households with digital literacy and skills development training, and connecting households to additional resources and services.
Chicago Connected funds CBOs to:
Eliminate internet accessibility as a barrier for eligible CPS households
Provide newly-connected households with digital learning resources and skills development training
Connect households with critical resources and services available through partner CBOs, the City of Chicago and other institutions.
The Children First Fund will oversee and monitor CBO progress and disburse funds on behalf of CPS and the City of Chicago.
CBOs will be responsible for carrying out several deliverables:
Outreach: Conduct outreach activities in consultation with CPS schools to sign up eligible households to receive free high-speed internet service.
Technology Training: Provide newly connected households with digital learning and skills development training, such as delivering self-designed content or approved third-party offerings, one-on-one touchpoints like technology helplines, office hours or hosting learner meet-ups, guidance sessions and/or other approved workforce and professional development programming. This content will equip households with the power to create an individualized learning plan, from developing online safety and job readiness skills to accessing telehealth resources to utilizing Google and Microsoft Office tools and registering to vote.
Support: Connect newly-connected households to critical support services, including food, housing, employment and healthcare assistance.
CBOs must also be able to track progress and share impact with funders. Metrics will include target households connected, digital literacy workshops held, and the skills, credentials, and certifications earned by participating households.
