TECHNOLOGY/Rural town’s computer center bridges divide

For Chase City, Va., a town of 3,000, the installation of an advanced communications network would seem an unlikely possibility or priority. However, a grant of $50,000 from Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), and matching funds from a not-for-profit group are helping build a high-tech infrastructure for the town.

Struggling to enjoy the benefits of the information economy with only one public computer with Internet access, the Chase City community realized it needed to expand its technological capabilities. In 1992, a group of residents met to discuss how to do that.

The group formed Chase City Community Services, which has raised more than $1.3 million through private donations, community barbeques and auctions. With the support of more than 2,200 residents, the group acquired and renovated a 16,000-square-foot building, which now houses the Estes Community Center, a rural community telecommunications and distance-learning center.

The center is becoming the community’s interactive technology hub, offering computer access, education and training to improve technical workforce development. It also provides a facility for general distance learning in courses ranging from SAT preparation to business management.

When Herndon, Va.-based CIT, a state-chartered, non-profit corporation, learned of the group’s activities, it donated funds to provide 1.2 miles of fiber optic line to the center. The money came from CIT’s Advanced Communications Assistance Fund awards program, which helps communities across the state finance communications improvements. The program directs assistance to communities that have fewer than three local exchange carriers offering services in the area.

The CIT/Chase City Community Services initiative has produced important technological improvements for the town. For example, Chase City has installed 20 computers in the center, where classes are provided by Southside Virginia Community College.

Currently, classes include: – Computer education and training for workforce development, including industry certification;

– Summer programs for children through the Summer Scholars program; and

– Continuing education for health, logging and agriculture professionals.

Future opportunities at the center will include:

– Internet training for the general public and local workforce;

– Computer access, tutoring and courses for public school children;

– Community access to Internet, e-mail and distance-learning courses through a computer lab open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.;

– Training to address the needs of senior citizens through a program in which high school students tutor senior citizens in the use of computers;

– Specialized programs for high school students, including SAT prep courses; and

– Certified programs for nursing assistant and other degrees.

In addition to providing access to computers and computer training, Chase City has begun infrastructure development to support a local area network. With the resident support and the learning center, the small community is taking steps to take advantage of today’s information economy.

“To remain competitive in today’s technological society, communities and individuals must be well trained and well informed,” says Virginia Delegate Frank Ruff, who represents Chase City. “Through the Estes Community Center, residents of our region will be able to use and learn the latest technology available – thus leveling the playing field for our residents interested in growing businesses and pursuing technology careers.”