Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center
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Innovators in Digital Inclusion: Ashbury Senior Community Computer Center

12/12/2016

 
Picture
Published by Benton Foundation
Authored by Angela Siefer,
Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)

ASC3 serves four Cleveland neighborhoods (Glenville, Forest Hills, South Collinwood and East Cleveland) -- and anyone else who requests their services. These neighborhoods are economically-diverse and family-oriented with a strong representation of older, African-American adults and Case Western Reserve University students. The draw of important churches in these neighborhoods brings in traffic from elsewhere in Cleveland. All four neighborhoods have low home broadband adoption rates.

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Wanda Davis and her family wanted to strengthen their community. They had two family businesses they needed to close, but they owned the property and realized there was an opportunity to create a community center. Ms. Davis said, “As we closed the hardware store and deli, wanted to make sure what we left was long standing and supportive of the community. The purpose has always been about impact.”

The easy part was getting confirmation from the community that a technology training center was very much needed. They asked community residents what they would like to see in the community. They gathered responses through a paper survey filled out in the stores and by going door-to-door. Ms. Davis said, “We could see middle- and upper-age community members didn’t have the computer skills they needed and this was causing job loss.”

Getting financial support was much more difficult. As a new 501(c)3, ASC3 had trouble securing grants because it did not have a track record. So it spent two years in the planning stage. Finally, Ms. Davis and her husband sent out letters to 50 people in their business network asking for $300 each to support this new community venture. Their goal was to create 10 work stations (PC, monitor, keyboard and mouse). Eleven people sent back $300 for a total of $3,300. The Davises added personal funds to purchase recycled work stations. A $10,000 grant from United Black Front was used to pay an instructor and keep the doors open.

Partnerships have been key to ASC3 since it was founded. At the time, Case Western Reserve University was trying to be more engaged in the community because there was a clear divide between the university and the surrounding community. Case couldn’t donate funds, but could give office equipment and the basics needed to get set up (tables, chairs, carpet, paint, etc).
ASC3 began operation in 2002 and welcomed a total of 30 students in two class sessions. Students were recruited via flyers, partnerships (including a nearby senior center that did not provide technology training), and word of mouth. Ms. Davis said, “We went to street fairs and churches (those are very important!) and we ended up with way more students than we could train!” By 2005, ASC3 consistently had 55 to 70 students (all seniors) in each class throughout the year. These numbers continue to grow and demonstrate the success of the center, as well as the widespread interest from the community.

Mission
The mission of ASC3 is to bridge the digital divide in Cleveland communities by addressing the technology needs of older adults with limited income. ASC3 provides access, education, resources and training to help clients obtain technology literacy.

    Author

    ASC3 Staff

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  • Home
  • Donate
    • Make a Donation
  • About Us
    • Mission
    • Meet Our Team
    • ASC3 Location Map
    • Newsletter
    • Milestones
    • City Council Award
    • History
    • Adoption Persistence Study
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Classes
    • Register for Classes
    • Digital Aviator Program (DAP)
    • Program Application
    • Tutorials
    • Super Tech Day
    • Student Testimonials
    • Class Survey
  • Events
    • DIW 2022
    • Recent Photos
    • Summer Excursion
    • Annual Gala >
      • 2022 Annual Gala
      • 2021 Annual Gala
      • 2020 Annual Gala
      • 2019 Annual Gala
      • 2018 Annual Gala
      • 2017 Annual Gala
      • 2016 Annual Gala
      • 2015 Annual Gala
      • 2014 Annual Gala
      • 2013 Annual Gala
      • 2012 Annual Gala
      • 2011 Annual Gala
      • 2010 Annual Gala
    • Annual Graduation >
      • 2022 Annual Graduation
      • 2021 Annual Graduation
      • 2020 Annual Graduation
      • 2019 17th Annual Graduation
      • 2018 16th Annual Graduation
      • 2017 15th Annual Graduation
      • 2016 14th Annual Graduation
      • 2015 13th Annual Graduation
      • 2014 12th Annual Graduation
      • 2013 11th Annual Graduation
      • Graduation 2008-2012
      • Graduation 2003-2007
    • Nite 'N' White >
      • 2022 Night 'N' White
      • 2019 Nite 'N' White
      • 2018 Nite 'N' White
      • 2017 Nite 'N' White
      • 2016 Nite 'N' White
      • 2015 Nite 'N' White
  • Resources
    • Internet Service >
      • Recommended Services
      • Renew Mobile Citizen Internet Service
    • Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
    • Shop
    • Senior Resource Partners
    • Connected Learning Center
  • Volunteer!
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Black History 365
  • ASC3 Calendar
  • Build-A-Robot Saturdays