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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> Committee Chair White stated, We were sitting here and you were going through the different <br /> slides and talking about your accomplishments. The free public Wi-Fi and those areas that have <br /> been without, I was sitting here fighting tears because we live in the twenty-first(21St)century and <br /> we know how powerful technology is and its ability to connect. I really appreciate the vision,work <br /> and how you reached out to the communities especially to those who have never had this <br /> opportunity. I know some of the Centers are working to train individuals on how to use that. I hope <br /> we can connect with the Schools as well because this is so needed and I look forward to hearing <br /> greater things in regards to that part of this presentation. <br /> Councilmember Scott stated, I did see the proposal on Lincolnway. Is that around the Charles <br /> Martin? <br /> Mr. Garces replied, Yes, sir. <br /> Councilmember Scott followed up, Ok,that is perfect. <br /> Committeemember Voorde stated,I was the guy three(3)years ago who said we ought to eliminate <br /> 311. I'm not there anymore. <br /> Councilmember Broden asked, Where are the schools figured in on the CLICK South Bend or the <br /> free public Wi-Fi spots? <br /> Mr. Garces replied, We have actually been working pretty closely with the schools. We have been <br /> involved in the Educational Technology Committee. There are a number of initiatives that we have <br /> been helping with but we help them plan and do a lot of visioning for the one to one (1:1). I think <br /> initially the perspective that lead us to do the CLICK SB sites was that we were hearing from the <br /> students that when they were having to do homework, they were having to go to McDonalds and <br /> other places that were not necessarily a safe place to do homework. We thought we could open up <br /> these community centers and provide free Wi-Fi and computers. There was a lot of thought of <br /> where we are going to locate and what type of programming we will have. There is a new set of <br /> software we bought this past year called LRNG. The amount is only $5,000 a year but it gives <br /> access to residents in the City of South Bend information on how to start their own business, <br /> photography, graph, digital and financial literacy and all sorts of other things. We are trying to <br /> work closely with schools and even the Universities to ensure South Bend is a City of life-long <br /> learning and where everybody has access to the tools they need to become and remain successful. <br /> We want to keep connecting people with the jobs of the future. <br /> Committeemember Voorde asked, Yeah, is there any collaboration with IUSB? Do they know <br /> what is going on and are they a part of this? <br /> Mr. Garces replied, Yes, again, we work closely with all the different colleges and universities. <br /> Very much so in the Bowman Creek Educational Ecosystem. IUSB actually hosts the Hack <br /> Michiana group that is kind of the local group of people working on doing data. We have been in <br /> conversations to keep working together. <br /> Committee Chair White then opened the floor to members of the public. <br /> EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 1227 W Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.92211f 574.235.91731TTD574.235.55671www.southbendin.gov <br /> 18 <br />