Ontario Youth Internships (YI) at Community Access Sites
Mission The program plays a crucial role in bridging the Digital Divide; contributing to the foundation for electronic access to government services; encouraging online learning and literacy; fostering the development of community based infrastructure; promoting Canadian e-commerce; and providing training with Assistive Technology. The Community Access Program provides computers at various community fixtures for public use. Description In 1994, Industry Canada started a program called the Community Access Program (or CAP) in an effort to make Canada the leader in the global “Internet race.” Initially, Industry Canada focused the efforts of the program on rural communities, where Internet access was less available. Libraries, municipal offices and schools could apply for funding to purchase computers and computer equipment to set up CAP Sites. Once the rural communities were equipped with computers and Internet access, Industry Canada began to focus on what is referred to as the “Digital Divide.” This divide consists of individuals who do not normally have Internet access, such as First Nations peoples, seniors, second-language citizens, etc. CAP Sites in urban areas were thus opened to help reach these people. In order to make better use of the computers and equipment funded by CAP, Industry Canada also initiated the Community Access Program - Youth Initiative (CAP-YI). CAP Sites could apply for funding to hire Youth Interns to come and work in their CAP Sites in order to train the public in computer and internet use, as well as other technology skills. |
The Massey Area Museum would like to thank former CAP student Wade Owl for his hard work.
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