Chicago State University

The ABELINC Community Navigator program, based at Chicago State University (CSU) and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), will use a multi-level approach in which full-time navigators work with student navigators to provide high-tough digital skills support with key under-served population groups. Each full-time navigator will develop an engagement strategy with community partners and provide mentoring and supervision to a cohort of student navigators. The Navigators will be trained in and will provide guidance around 4 key skills to foster household broadband adoption: a) basic digital literacy (e.g., introduction to devices, broadband technologies, and popular applications); b) digital conduct (e.g., online safety, privacy management, responsible social media practices, etc. ); c) online resources and tools (e.g., food support, education/training, employment search, healthcare, childcare, government benefits, etc.); and d) Internet subscription/enrollment and device purchase (e.g., introduction to service plans, government subsidy programs, community resources, and enrollment support). In addition, the Navigators will help local small businesses develop online commerce literacy (e.g., using social media to promote awareness, using business tools). The navigators will also provide laptops to households in the priority neighborhoods that have only smart phones and mobile plans. In addition to the Community Navigator program, CSU will upgrade its campus Internet connection to meet the increasing campus demand for bandwidth.