Spring-Summer 2005

The Donation

In September 2004 the Ohio Community Computing Network (OCCN) began working with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) regarding a potential Microsoft donation for CTCs in the Appalachian region of Ohio. This became a reality in November, when OCCN submitted the software donation applications for 18 CTCs valued at over $90,000. As of April 2005, a few of the CTCs had received their software and the rest were anxiously awaiting the delivery.

OCCN's assistance with the selection of sites in Ohio was just one piece of a larger one million dollar software donation for the 13-state Appalachian region. It was ARC's relationship with Microsoft that brought about the large software donation and OCCN's relationship with ARC that resulted in Appalachian Ohio CTCs being chosen as recipients in Ohio.

The Grantees

The CTCs using the donations to upgrade operating systems with XP, networking software and Microsoft Office include: • Eight CTCs operated by the Appalachian Center for Collaborative and Engaged Learning (ACCEL) in Zanesville • Two CTCs operated by the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) in Athens • Holland Community Technology Center in Corning • Ohio State University Learning Center South in Piketon • Ohio University Southern - TASC LAB in Ironton • Four CTCs operated by the Coshocton County Resource Network.

Leveraging Additional Resources

The Microsoft donation helped finalize a donation of 25 Dell computers from the Muskingum County Department of Job and Family Services to ACCEL. ACCEL has refurbished these computers by installing additional memory, Microsoft XP and Microsoft Office. The computers will be used to open two additional technology centers in Muskingum County.

Additional Donation

OCCN was recently informed by ARC that Microsoft had agreed to an additional $1million software donation for Appalachia. OCCN has begun the process of gathering applications within Ohio for our $100,000 portion.