Building Digital Bridges: Lessons from Technology Initiatives in East Palo Alto

Brandi Thompson
Stanford University

Todd Davies
Symbolic Systems Program, Stanford University

Rolando Zeledon
Plugged In

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     Last modified: May 19, 2005

Abstract
This paper reports the results of three years of study, before, during, and after the launch of the East Palo Alto Community Network. The Community Network has brought technology access points, a community web portal, and knowledge transfer to residents of the low-income, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic community of East Palo Alto, California. Related initiatives have given grants to small businesses, schools and nonprofits in the city, and a new broadband infrastructure that will serve organizations. Our studies have included quantitative surveys of the community's demographics, needs, and technology usage patterns, interviews with key stakeholders, and participant observation of decision making around these initiatives. Early surveys revealed that residents who spoke Spanish and little English were far less likely to have used computers and the Internet than were other residents, and that residents from different groups in the city had distinct needs. Interviews and observations revealed difficulties around community process that could be addressed through the new technology being introduced into the community. We will report the results of follow up studies done recently to assess the impact of the community network on residents and the extent to which problems identified before and near the launch of the community network in 2002 have been effectively addressed through technology.

Appendices
      Bridging Digital Divides - Appendices