Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark

The Creating Connections project will expand Rutgers University-Newark campus Wi-Fi and digital capabilities and upgrade campus technology resources to ensure equitable access to broadband with a focus on students with the most need. The project will also expand and innovate the Technology Launchpad to better meet the needs of RU-N students. The Technology Launchpad is a student-centered hub with many services including resources to help with internet connections both on and from off-campus, discounted and free software, free broadband access, and hardware through a laptop loaner program. Creating Connections will provide robust internet service to Residential Community Reintegration Programs and provide technological devices for student-inmates such as laptops, tablets, desktops. The project will also connect Rutgers University–Newark Talent and Opportunity Program students and their family and community to connectivity and technological resources through the Newark Connected Citizen Academy, which will support student’s familial technology ecosystem by training community members ages 14-85 in digital literacy, data science, Introduction to Information Technology, and Microsoft Office Advance Skills and soft skills. The workforce project portion will provide residents and students with access to career pathway trainings to compete in the tech and telecom industry, assist students and residents in obtaining stackable and recognized credentials, and connect participants to internships, apprenticeships, and jobs. Cohorts of high school students will be trained in the fundamentals of data science, survey design, implementation, engage in service-learning community survey projects, and analyze findings for dissemination and sharing.