Mayor Ed Murray today transmitted legislation recommending 22 recipients of the City’s 2015 Technology Matching Fund for projects that will assist more than 14,900 residents in need and help to further the City’s digital equity goals. Once approved by the Seattle City Council, a total of $470,000 will be distributed to community organizations throughout the […] 
Mayor Ed Murray today transmitted legislation recommending 22 recipients of the City’s 2015 Technology Matching Fund for projects that will assist more than 14,900 residents in need and help to further the City’s digital equity goals. Once approved by the Seattle City Council, a total of $470,000 will be distributed to community organizations throughout the city. The Council will discuss these recommendations on Wednesday, July 15.
“These funds play an important role in leveling the playing field in our city by helping our most vulnerable residents access technology,” said Murray. “Technology skills are necessary for success in the 21st century and these funds play a critical role in teaching and preparing our residents.”
The money will support projects throughout the city to ensure all Seattleites have access to and proficiency using internet-based technologies. These projects were selected from Seattle’s Community Technology Advisory Board from 64 applicants and will contribute more than $1 million in projected community matching resources, more than double the City’s investment.
The recommended projects will connect populations that have limited access to technology, empower residents with digital literacy skills, and build capacity for diverse communities to use technology for civic participation. Half of this year’s recipients are new provider organizations, while the other projects build on infrastructure and knowledge at prior provider sites. Ten projects will provide technology training for youth through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and digital media programs. The projects will serve more than 1,350 immigrants and refugees.
The recommended 2015 Technology Matching Fund award recipients include:
- Barton Place Computer Lab
- Big-Brained Superheroes Club
- Coalition for Refugees from Burma
- Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association
- Denny Terrace Computer Lab
- East African Community Services
- Full Life Care
- Georgetown Community Council
- Jefferson Terrace Computer Lab
- Kin On Community Health Care
- Lazarus Day Center
- Literacy Source
- Millionair Club Charity
- Neighborhood House
- Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange
- Smilow Rainier Vista Clubhouse & Teen Center of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
- Sound Child Care Solutions
- SouthEast Effective Development
- The Seattle Globalist
- Voices of Tomorrow
- Washington Middle School PTSA
- Xbot Robotics
For more information and a map of Technology Matching Fund awardees visit http://www.seattle.gov/tech/TMF/2015.