Spartanburg Community College Implements US Department of Commerce Grant and Opens Public Computer Centers
December 1, 2010
SPARTANBURG, SC – November 30, 2010 – As a part of the SC State Technical College System’s “SC REACH FOR SUCCESS” initiative, Spartanburg Community College has received and implemented a US Department of Commerce – National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Stimulus Grant of $363,955 to establish Public Computer Centers (PCC) at each SCC campus. The computer centers, which are now open to the public, provide free, onsite wireless Internet use and netbook computers which are available for free checkout by students, faculty, staff and local residents.
“These grant funds have allowed SCC set up the infrastructure needed to establish a public wireless network on each campus and the purchase of 125 netbook computers,” said Pete Gallen, SCC’s director of information technologies. “Now anyone in the community can come to one of our campus libraries in Spartanburg, Duncan and Gaffney to use the wireless Internet or borrow a laptop to take home with them.” Netbook computers will also be available for check out at SCC’s Union County Advanced Technology Center beginning January 2011.
The goal of this initiative is to provide residents in Spartanburg, Union and Cherokee counties access to computers and the Internet to create resumes, look for jobs, take online classes, work on school projects, etc. Along with SCC, the SC State Technical College System set up a statewide network of PCC’s with other partnering technical colleges across the state in service areas that include rural and underserved populations. This initiative will provide 70 PCC’s for users across the state.
The US Department of Commerce – National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) were appropriated $7.2 billion by the Recovery Act to:
* expand broadband access to rural communities across the US,
* increase jobs,
* spur investments in technology and infrastructure,
* and provide long-term economic benefits.
From these funds, the SC Technical College System was awarded a grant for $5.9M to pursue these objectives in South Carolina through South Carolina Ready to Educate, Activate, Connect and provide Health Information for Success – the SC REACH FOR SUCCESS initiative.
“This grant award and the opening of SCC‘s new Public Computer Centers will have a tremendous impact on our ability to serve our students and community residents now and in the future,” says Dr. Para M. Jones, SCC president. “Reaching and serving those who live in rural areas of our community, those who may not have computer or Internet access, is critical if we are to continue educating a workforce to compete in a global economy.”
Jones adds, “Access to computers and the Internet means access to information as well as unlimited opportunities for education, training and jobs, all which are at the core of SCC’s mission.”
Libraries at SCC’s central campus in Spartanburg, the SCC Tyger River Campus in Duncan and the SCC Cherokee County Campus in Gaffney have netbook computers that are available for three day check out to students, faculty, staff and community residents on a first come, first served basis. Anyone checking out a netbook must show a photo ID and register as a SCC library patron.
To inquire about checking out a netbook computer, contact the SCC campus libraries:
* SCC central campus at (864) 592-4764
* SCC Cherokee County Campus at (864) 206-2656
* SCC Tyger River Campus at (864) 592-6220
* Toll-free at (800) 922-3679
About Spartanburg Community College.
SCC offers more than 80 academic programs of study including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates plus University Transfer opportunities to four-year universities. SCC provides flexible class scheduling including online classes through SCCOnline, FlexStart classes, evening classes and more. The College also offers non-credit classes through the SCC Corporate & Community Education Division. For more information visit www.sccsc.edu.
About the SC Technical College System.
The SC Technical College System is comprised of 16 technical colleges located strategically across the state and its statewide affiliate programs: the Center for Accelerated Technology Training’s readySC™ program, Apprenticeship Carolina™ and QuickJobs Carolina™. The System is committed to helping increase the employability of all South Carolinians by ensuring they are fully prepared for the careers of today – and tomorrow. As the largest higher education system in the state, the System provides its students with a comprehensive education as well as a fast track to a rewarding career. In addition, the System’s nationally-recognized affiliate programs, designed to train or re-train employees so that companies new to South Carolina and existing businesses alike can continue to prosper and grow, help spur job growth and economic development opportunities across the state. The SC Technical College System prepares students of all ages for real work today while demonstrating a commitment to increasing the employability of all South Carolinians and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all. For more information visit: www.sctechsystem.edu.
