Project DescriptionPixley Connect, a project of the
Great Valley Center in partnership with the
AT&T Foundation, is an effort to narrow the digital divide in rural California. The Pixley Connect project brings telecommunication access, education and training to the underserved, predominantly Spanish-speaking community of Pixley, California. Pixley, an unincorporated community within Tulare County, is located in the Central Valley of California.
As envisioned, Pixley Connect will have a positive impact on the community’s economic and social welfare and provide a sustainable model for future projects through on-the-ground grassroots outreach, education, and technology training. Access to technology in the rural community of Pixley will help bring about economic prosperity and opportunities leading to the improvement of living standards for its residents
The AT&T Foundation is providing seed funding for the project during the initial three years of design and implementation. AT&T has also extended DSL lines to ensure the majority of Pixley residents have access to high-speed internet at a reasonable cost.
The Great Valley Center continues to engage partners throughout the community to develop capacity to sustain the project for the long term. While it is intended this be a replicable model, extensive community involvement also assures the project is customized to meet the needs of this particular community.
The Pixley Logo
This colorful canvas painting tells a story about Pixley residents, history and current life style. It was created by a group of youth from Pixley and its neighbor community, Tipton.
Each letter in the logo symbolizes a significant aspect of the community
P - Black and white dots represent the rich dairy industry of Tulare County.
I - Remarkable representation of Pixley Connect Project, reflecting the enthusiasm and significances of having high speed internet access and technology training in the community.
X - Pixley is symbolic to the rail road company that used to go through the town transporting grains and other goods.
L - This is Pixley’s water tower as it stands on the middle of the town facing Highway 99 exit.
E - Red Tiger’s pride, Tipton Elementary School is represented by the mascot colors and its scholarship.
Y - Pixley is conveniently located on Highway 99. The letter Y represents the vitality, accessibility and value Highway 99 has in the community.
Pixley DemographicsPixley is located in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley, one of the world’s richest agricultural areas. It is home to approximately 3000 residents (650 households).
- 82% of the population is Latino, 4% African American and 13% Caucasian.
- 52% of Pixley students are English Language Learners.
- Only 22% of the population is 45 years of age or older.
- The per capita income is $8,674 compared to $21,193 in Tulare County and $22,711 statewide.
- Unemplyment exceeds 25%.
- The median household income is approximately $23,304, less than half the state average.
- Pixley has only 9 operational public computer units with internet access.
- Pixley has an elementary and charter school, but 9-12th grade students travel to Tulare to attend High School.
Where's Pixley?Pixley, California is located in the Central Valley of California in Tulare County. Located off of Highway 99, the city of Pixley is aproximetely 46.8 miles North of Bakersfield and 63.3 miles South of Fresno. Pixley is home to approximately 3,000 residents.
