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Discounted Computers and Internet Access for Students Program

Digital Divide Council

Mission

The Digital Divide Council is established in section 445.059, Florida statutes, to:
  • Ensure citizens have reasonable opportunities for frequent access to the use of information technology and to obtain the education and training necessary to acquire knowledge and skills that are:
    • critical to becoming competitively qualified for high-skill, high-wage employment;
    • required to be a productive member of a growing IT society; and
    • necessary for the state’s economy to in turn prosper by citizens reaching their full employment and income earning potential.
  • Bridge the digital divide between members of society that have the economic resources and access to technology (“haves”) and those that lack the necessary technological resources, access, and training (“have-nots”).

Members

Name Representation Citation
Dale Brill Director, Office of Tourism. Trade, and Economic Development in the Executive Office of the Governor Section 445.049(2)(b), F.S.
Monesia Brown Director, Agency for
Workforce Innovation		 Section 445.049(2)(d), F.S.
Jim Albert Chairman, itflorida.com Section 445.049(2)(e), F.S.
Eric J. Smith Commissioner of Education Section 445.049(2)(f), F.S.
Chris Hart President, Workforce
Florida, Inc.		 Section 445.049(2)(c), F.S.
Bruce Slager A representative from the information technology industry in this state appointed by the Governor (Director of Information Systems, Executive Office of the Governor) Section 445.049(2)(a), F.S.
Nathan Burrell A representative from the information technology industry in this state appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Founder and President, The Minority E-Commerce Association) Section 445.049(2)(g), F.S.
Lyn Stanfield A representative from the information technology industry in this state appointed by the President of the Senate (Strategic Relations Manager, Apple, Inc.) Section 445.049(2)(h), F.S.
Rep. Kurt Kelly One Republican member of the House of Representatives, who shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member, appointed by the Speaker Section 445.049(2)(i), F.S.
Rep. Oscar Braynon One Democrat member of the House of Representatives, who shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member, appointed by the Speaker Section 445.049(2)(i), F.S.
Sen. Stephen Wise One Republican member of the Senate who shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member, appointed by the President Section 445.049(2)(j), F.S.
Sen. Frederica Wilson One Democrat member of the Senate who shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member, appointed by the President Section 445.049(2)(j), F.S.

Legislation

Section 445.049, F.S.

Bylaws

Annual Report

Report submitted to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House on March 1, 2008.

Meetings

December 14, 2007

Goals of the meeting:
  • Introduce Council members;
  • Discuss purpose and objectives of the Digital Divide Council; and
  • Elect Chair and Vice-Chair.

January 25, 2008

Goals of the meeting:
  • Approve the Digital Divide Council by-laws;
  • Engage in conversation with hardware and software vendors on current innovative programs available for at-risk families;
  • Work with district technology leaders on current programs being offered for at-risk families and students;
  • Examine the statewide data on technology access for low socio-economic schools; and
  • Collaborate with national experts and researchers in the area of technology access for at-risk families and students.

March 6, 2008

Goals of the meeting:
  • Discuss annual report; and
  • Move forward with report recommendations.

June 4, 2008

Goals of the meeting:
  • Formulate State Board Rule for Discounted Computers and Internet Access for Students; and
  • Discuss pilot project components.

August 28, 2008

  • Discuss status of pilot program and plans for implementation;
  • Determine data needed for annual report; and
  • Consider new strategic partnerships

Next Meeting: Week of November 17, 2008.