What is Pixley Connect?
Pixley Connect is a model project of the Great Valley Center in partnership with the AT&T Foundation to bring high speed internet and technology training to the rural, underserved, predominantly Spanish-speaking community of Pixley, California.
Where is Pixley?
Pixley is located in the Central Valley of California in Tulare County and is home to approximately 3,000 residents. (Demographics) See map
Why is technology access important in Central California?
California’s Central Valley is a fast growing region, with lower-than-average educational attainment, high unemployment rates and limited access to resources. Technology access and training provides skills and opportunities that can improve quality of life through expanded educational and economic opportunities and enhanced healthcare, to name a few. It helps bridge the “digital divide” in historically underserved communities within the region
What is the “digital divide”?
The digital divide refers to the gap between those able to benefit from digital technology and those who are not.
How is Pixley Connect funded?
In the spring of 2006, the AT&T Foundation partnered with the Great Valley Center providing grant funding over three years to seed the project.
How is Pixley Connect implemented?
The Great Valley Center hired a full-time, Spanish speaking Project Coordinator who is based in Pixley to design and implement the project. Through Pixley Connect, Pixley residents will receive computer literacy training, local youth will be trained to become local technical support experts, a Community Technology Learning Center will open to provide on-going technology training and assistance, and economic development will be promoted through the use of new technologies in local business practices.
Who is involved in Pixley Connect?
The Great Valley Center is engaging partners throughout the community with the intent of securing the support necessary to sustain efforts at the conclusion of the grant period. Pixley Connect is currently working in partnership with individual community members and the following local community organizations and institutions: Tulare Adult School, Pixley Chamber of Commerce, Community Services and Employment Training Inc., Pixley Foundation, Pixley Elementary School. "
Pixley Connect Blog
Pixley Connect, a project of the Pixley Foundation in partnership with the Great Valley Center and AT&T Foundation, is an effort to narrow the digital divide in rural California. This project brings telecommunication access, education and training to the underserved, predominantly Spanish-speaking community of Pixley, California.
