EZLink
Outcomes
- In cooperation with Jazz Digital, EZLink created Yagi antennas - high-speed wireless internet antennas made with soup cans, potato chip cans, wire, bolts, and washers. When deployed, these antennas provide a low-cost alternative to the community near Noble School and a lab at St. Suzanne's (Detroit, MI). This wireless system is critical for communities that do not have DSL access (a gap that covers much of the city of Detroit) or people who cannot afford expensive high-speed cable modem or satellite access.
- Created sustainable community technology centers in six neighborhoods in the city of Detroit, as well as two community Wi-Fi demonstration sites. The Wi-Fi demonstration sites were developed by youth. These sites have lasted far longer than the one-year lifespan of typical computer labs. Rate of return to these computer sites for youth is 80-100%.
- 20 adults and 25 youth are now gainfully employed.
- Inspired a desire for higher education among youth. Ninety-six percent of EZLink students report attending either junior or a four-year college, as compared to 75% of their peers. EZLink program graduates have a 98% employment rate.
- Provided high-quality, in-depth technology training to 600 youth in the second through twelfth grades.
- Expanded technology access and support in the city of Detroit.
- Developed a solid base of community members, trainers, and employable youth and adults with technology skills.
- Provided 15,000 hours of training time to develop skills among disadvantaged children and youth in Detroit.
- Mobilized 875 community participants/volunteers and 7,500 hours of community service since 1999.
- Established a viable 501(c)3 community-based organization to continue the work of EZLink.
- Experimented with web-based invoicing and database that led to successful work in developing an open-source interactive database for Title IV programs.
- Developed sophisticated Web sites for EZLink programs and curriculum for instructing youth.
- EZLink provides technology trainings that are 6-12 weeks in duration. At one site, EZLink provides child care and meals for working parents attending afternoon and evening sessions. Trainings cover topics including Introduction to Fuel Cells, Introduction to Telematics, High-end Graphics and Development, GED Certification, and Computer Basics.
- Graduation ceremonies are held for those who complete training programs. For many students, it is the only graduation ceremony they have ever experienced. For 20% of these students, their success at EZLink enabled them to return and complete interrupted education.
- Led community "re-creation" of comprehensive after-school programs at Noble Elementary School and St. Suzanne's Community Center.
- Maintained and upgraded Fullerton-Jeffries FIA computer lab (10 network units).
- Used adaptive computer technology for two blind and visually impaired individuals.
- Helped students stabilize their grades in school and helped others make measurable gains, as indicated by evaluative research data. Findings also revealed that EZLink helped students increase their ACT scores by three points within one year.
New Directions
- Continue its work with DetroitCONNECTED, the Center for Urban Innovation. The DetroitCONNECT policy report outlines a business plan for the development of small business centers (a Kinko for Kids Center) as well as plans for a community technology center for wireless broadband provision in neighborhoods. These initiatives are designed to be revenue generating while providing internet access at a very affordable price ($120 per year per family).
- Initiate discussions for franchise possibilities with small neighborhood internet cafes in Detroit (www.meeteryeatery.com).
- Potentially work with Geneva Williams, the Executive Director of City Connect to convene a think tank of technology experts to expand upon wireless technology initiatives, with the deliverables of a focus policy and program paper that would be suitable for aggressive, large-scale collaborative support and funding. NPower has already agreed to be at the deliberation table and present the initiative before Bill Gates during the summer of 2004.
- Create a Senior-friendly computer lab in Sacred Heart Seminary (Detroit). This lab would consist of internet accessible computers with large monitors, trackballs, and text to voice software. Students from EZlink after-school programs would be responsible for maintenance and helping seniors use the computers.
- Add a job developer for EZLink computer training certified graduates, who would create co-ops and internships for youth and adult students.
- Investigate the possibility of expanding the EZLink collaborative to Durban, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Investigating the possibility of establishing the Lane Center for Technology in Social Work Practice, following the untimely death of Rick Lane, EZLink's Program Director, in August 2001.
Last updated: 1/11/08
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University of Michigan
Global Program on Youth, School of
Social Work Building, Room 3743
1080 South University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106 ssw.global@umich.edu