City of Moreno Valley’s “The CLiC (Community Learning and Internet Connectivity) Initiative

The CLiC (Community Learning and Internet Connectivity) Initiative was implemented as a multi-pronged approach to address the digital divide in the Moreno Valley community. The multi-pronged approach includes assisting residents in obtaining internet access, computer hardware, literacy courses and resources. The initiative includes WiFi hotspots that can be borrowed from the City’s three library branches; creation of WiFi Garden (free public WiFi access) locations throughout the City; public-use computers at libraries, the Business & Employment Resource Center and the Senior Center; and a free, comprehensive virtual community portal filled with information to help build users’ computer knowledge and skills. The portal offers a wealth of free resources to help users take advantage of their internet access to enhance learning, seek employment, manage their finances, do business, and even have some fun online.  The city utilizes human centric design concepts and sought feedback from potential users to test the concept before full launch.  The CLiC page can be accessed at www.moval.org/clic.

The digital divide is a worldwide issue and taking steps to narrow the divide, such as the CLiC Initiative, could be replicated in any agency.  Identifying the agency’s individuals at greatest risk of digital exclusion and need of support, such as those that are unemployed, living with disabilities, lower income, less educated, and non-English speaking and creating an initiative based on the need, can result in closing the digital divide gap.  Getting people access to internet, computer hardware and resources is a high priority, especially during these unforeseen times.  Creating initiatives such as CLiC, gets us that much closer to digital equity.