The Rochester Digital Literacy (RDL) Initiative

 The Rochester Digital Literacy (RDL) Initiative is an effort to build upon the existing KidTech, Community Computer Academy, and CommuniTech programs to deliver unique and effective educational programming into Rochester’s poorest neighborhoods.  RDL is a community-wide effort to bring together businesses, government, educational institutions, community and faith based organizations, and individuals for a common cause.  It will not only provide access to computers in the home, but also ties that computer ownership to the demonstrated knowledge of how to effectively use the computer by at least one family member. The program will focus on those households in areas of the City with the highest levels of poverty and will provide its educational programming, computer distribution, and follow-on support services through a city wide Community Learning Center Network of over 30 community and faith based community technology centers and a mobile computing facility called the e-BUS. 

The RDL Initiative will reach over 13,000 City households.  Standardized curriculum will be delivered through a combination of direct classroom instruction, instructor-led synchronous and asynchronous distance learning protocols, and self-paced tutorials.  Participants who successfully complete the Fundamental Computer Skills training will receive a free refurbished computer system containing an up-to-date operating system, a set of office applications, antivirus/antispyware software, Internet content filtering and blocking software, computer training self-paced tutorials, and other user resource and educational materials for safe and effective computing.  RDL’s Community Learning Center Network will provide not only computer literacy training but also will become neighborhood centers for other needed educational programming (e.g. financial literacy, basic literacy, GED preparation, SAT study centers, health education centers, etc.)