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Fresno State center closes gap on digital divide

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By Stephanie Rodriguez

Fresno State's new Digital Economy Center (DEC) held a press conference in the University Business Center on April 11 to celebrate its grand opening.

The center's mission is to bridge a digital divide in the Central Valley by educating and assisting businesses and government institutions in taking advantage of the opportunities that information technology creates.

A $50,000 grant from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce as part of the Rapid Response Program will assist the center in applying information technology to improve the organizational functions of businesses in the Fresno area. The DEC is also a finalist in a $300,000 Caltrans grant competition offering to conduct a study of the e-village concept and its impact on the Valley.

During the press conference, the DEC announced it would promote a broad spectrum of information technology solutions that contribute to enhancement of quality of life, from e-business and e-learning to

e-communities planning and e-government.

Dr. Karen Dill Bowerman, associate dean of the Craig School of Business, said the DEC will help students and Valley business owners compete in an ever-changing digital economy landscape.

"The Digital Economy Center will offer the latest in technology training and workshops for the community," said Bowerman.

Dr. Tom Wielicki, director of the DEC, believes that the center will benefit local business and public institutions, as well as Fresno State students.

"The main mission of the DEC is to assist the Valley in closing a digital divide. The DEC will welcome all local businesses that need a safe passage to the technology driven 21st century," Wielicki said. "The DEC also creates a unique opportunity for Fresno State students to experience cutting-edge technology solutions, and becomes a showcase for information technology solutions for the Valley."

IBM and CISCO Systems are corporate sponsors that have donated more than $350,000 in equipment to the DEC.

Stephanie Rodriguez is a University Relations student intern.

Back to University Journal, 4/29/02 Issue