Community-based organizations (CBOs) are critical partners in the Chicago Connected initiative.
CBOs will 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.
After a transparent and competitive selection process led by CPS parents, educators, administrators, and grant-making experts, 35 community partners were selected to support the Chicago Connected initiative. Check back soon for a list of points of contact for each community partner.
CBOs will be 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 will fund CBOs to:
Eliminate internet accessibility as a barrier for eligible CPS households to access digital learning content;
Provide newly-connected households with digital literacy and skills development training and resources; and
Connect households with critical resources and services available through partner CBOs, the City of Chicago, and other institutions.
The list of Chicago Connected community partners can be found here.
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:
Conduct outreach activities to sign up eligible households to receive free high-speed internet service
Provide newly-connected households with digital literacy training and support with content from Chicago Public Library as well as supplementary curricular offerings designed to serve a wide-variety of household needs and interests. This curated 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, completing the census online, and registering to vote
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.
