One Economy Corporation
Encyclopedia
One Economy Corporation is a Washington, D.C.
based, global, nonprofit organization that uses the power of technology
to connect underserved, low-income communities around the world to vital online information and resources.
Founded in 2000, One Economy's mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of income or location, can maximize the power of technology to improve the quality of his or her life and enter the economic mainstream.
One Economy brings broadband
into the homes of low-income people, employs youth to train community members to use technology effectively, and provides public-purpose media properties that offer information on education
, jobs, health care
, and other vital issues. These initiatives target three barriers to sustained Internet use: affordability, accessibility, and lack of relevant content. By creating strong public-private partnerships and engaging local stakeholders and community organizations, One Economy aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable digital network.
In April 2010, One Economy, in partnership with the Broadband Opportunity Coalition (BBOC), was awarded $28.5 million through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, run by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. One Economy and the BBOC are supplementing this grant
with $23 million of private sector
matching support.
Domestically, the Beehive has been localized for 26 U.S. cities. Internationally, the Beehive is available in Ethiopia
, Nigeria
, Turkey
, Cameroon
, Rwanda
, Kenya
, Jordan
, South Africa
, Israel
, and Mexico
.
Localization of the Beehive is used to target specific community needs. For example, the Beehive served as the first source of local news in the Bronx Mt. Hope community, which before that had been without such a service. The Beehive also provided targeted tax help services in the Cascades area of Oregon
.
experience that encourages its viewers to actively take steps to improve their lives. One of the primary tools on PIC.tv is the Make It Easy toolbox, which connects audiences with relevant, local resources related to the content featured in individual videos.
and urban
areas nationwide. Similar programs have been launched in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
The Digital Connectors program identifies and trains talented youth, immersing them in certified technology training and encouraging leadership skills that prepare students to enter the 21st century workforce. These youth range from ages 14 to 21 and come from diverse backgrounds. Participants give back to their community by teaching technology skills to family members, friends, and community members for no less than eight hours of community service each week.
In addition to hands-on learning and community service work, Digital Connectors are also given the opportunity to learn about career paths through sponsored visits to technology companies, job shadowing programs, and campus tours. In return for their efforts, Digital Connectors receive new computers or stipends through their city's employment program.
Since its inception, nearly 3,000 youth have given more than 56,000 hours of community service through the Digital Connectors program. Digital Connectors have also trained over 15,000 families on how to use technology and online resources to improve the quality of their lives.
These digital inclusion programs offer free or low-cost broadband Internet access, affordable computer options, and capacity-building plans for local organizations that integrate technology into their work. As a result of these efforts, over 360,000 Americans have received broadband Internet Access.
According to One Economy, the results of a comprehensive technology strategy produce tangible results in a community; in Greene County, North Carolina, residents saw an increase in SAT
scores, business and job opportunities, and the number of high school seniors applying to college.
In addition to the global Beehives in Ethiopia
, Nigeria
, Turkey
, Cameroon
, Rwanda
, Kenya
, Jordan
, South Africa
, Israel
, and Mexico
, One Global Economy also operates a computer center in Durban, South Africa and recently partnered with e-Mexico to open a community technology center in Mexico City
.
Much of One Global Economy's work is part of Cisco
's four-year, $10 million commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative to alleviate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa
. Cisco has partnered with four NGOs--Habitat for Humanity, Inveneo
, One Global Economy, and Teachers Without Borders--to provide "affordable housing, community connectivity, online content and tools, and hands-on training" to sub-Saharan residents.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
based, global, nonprofit organization that uses the power of technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
to connect underserved, low-income communities around the world to vital online information and resources.
Founded in 2000, One Economy's mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of income or location, can maximize the power of technology to improve the quality of his or her life and enter the economic mainstream.
One Economy brings broadband
Broadband
The term broadband refers to a telecommunications signal or device of greater bandwidth, in some sense, than another standard or usual signal or device . Different criteria for "broad" have been applied in different contexts and at different times...
into the homes of low-income people, employs youth to train community members to use technology effectively, and provides public-purpose media properties that offer information on education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, jobs, health care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
, and other vital issues. These initiatives target three barriers to sustained Internet use: affordability, accessibility, and lack of relevant content. By creating strong public-private partnerships and engaging local stakeholders and community organizations, One Economy aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable digital network.
In April 2010, One Economy, in partnership with the Broadband Opportunity Coalition (BBOC), was awarded $28.5 million through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, run by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. One Economy and the BBOC are supplementing this grant
Grant (money)
Grants are funds disbursed by one party , often a Government Department, Corporation, Foundation or Trust, to a recipient, often a nonprofit entity, educational institution, business or an individual. In order to receive a grant, some form of "Grant Writing" often referred to as either a proposal...
with $23 million of private sector
Private sector
In economics, the private sector is that part of the economy, sometimes referred to as the citizen sector, which is run by private individuals or groups, usually as a means of enterprise for profit, and is not controlled by the state...
matching support.
Public-Purpose Media
One Economy offers multiple public-purpose media properties that connect low-income people to online information and resources that address a range of topics including health, jobs, money, education, and housing. Over 19 million people around the world have accessed One Economy's online resources since 2000.The Beehive
One Economy's signature online tool, the Beehive, is an award-winning, multilingual web portal that provides low-income individuals with online resources concerning financial services, education, jobs, health care, and housing.Domestically, the Beehive has been localized for 26 U.S. cities. Internationally, the Beehive is available in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Cameroon
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
, Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda or , officially the Republic of Rwanda , is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million . Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.
Localization of the Beehive is used to target specific community needs. For example, the Beehive served as the first source of local news in the Bronx Mt. Hope community, which before that had been without such a service. The Beehive also provided targeted tax help services in the Cascades area of Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
.
PIC.tv
The Public Internet Channel (PIC.tv) is a multimediaMultimedia
Multimedia is media and content that uses a combination of different content forms. The term can be used as a noun or as an adjective describing a medium as having multiple content forms. The term is used in contrast to media which use only rudimentary computer display such as text-only, or...
experience that encourages its viewers to actively take steps to improve their lives. One of the primary tools on PIC.tv is the Make It Easy toolbox, which connects audiences with relevant, local resources related to the content featured in individual videos.
Digital Connectors
One Economy's Digital Connectors program was launched in 2001, in Washington, D.C., and has since expanded to include more than 20 ruralRural
Rural areas or the country or countryside are areas that are not urbanized, though when large areas are described, country towns and smaller cities will be included. They have a low population density, and typically much of the land is devoted to agriculture...
and urban
Urban area
An urban area is characterized by higher population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. Urban areas may be cities, towns or conurbations, but the term is not commonly extended to rural settlements such as villages and hamlets.Urban areas are created and further...
areas nationwide. Similar programs have been launched in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
The Digital Connectors program identifies and trains talented youth, immersing them in certified technology training and encouraging leadership skills that prepare students to enter the 21st century workforce. These youth range from ages 14 to 21 and come from diverse backgrounds. Participants give back to their community by teaching technology skills to family members, friends, and community members for no less than eight hours of community service each week.
In addition to hands-on learning and community service work, Digital Connectors are also given the opportunity to learn about career paths through sponsored visits to technology companies, job shadowing programs, and campus tours. In return for their efforts, Digital Connectors receive new computers or stipends through their city's employment program.
Since its inception, nearly 3,000 youth have given more than 56,000 hours of community service through the Digital Connectors program. Digital Connectors have also trained over 15,000 families on how to use technology and online resources to improve the quality of their lives.
Access Services
To address the issue of accessibility to online resources, One Economy works with affordable housing organizations, other non-profits, municipalities, and technology companies to extend the benefits of technology to low-income people. One Economy builds "state-by-state affordable housing finance policies that promote inclusion of broadband into low-income households."These digital inclusion programs offer free or low-cost broadband Internet access, affordable computer options, and capacity-building plans for local organizations that integrate technology into their work. As a result of these efforts, over 360,000 Americans have received broadband Internet Access.
According to One Economy, the results of a comprehensive technology strategy produce tangible results in a community; in Greene County, North Carolina, residents saw an increase in SAT
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a nonprofit organization in the United States. It was formerly developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service which still...
scores, business and job opportunities, and the number of high school seniors applying to college.
One Global Economy
One Global Economy was founded in 2005, with the goal of expanding One Economy's domestic efforts to communities around the world. One Global Economy's methodology involves identifying underserved international areas and then identifying the key developmental issues facing those communities. One Global Economy consults with community members, collaborates with local organizations, and holds local workshops to discover what resources residents would like to have access to on their local Beehives. These web portals deliver "highly contextualized information on issues including employment, civic life, health, and education" and "equip low-income households and individuals with the information and resources necessary for social mobility and immediate improvement of their quality of life."In addition to the global Beehives in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Cameroon
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
, Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda or , officially the Republic of Rwanda , is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million . Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, One Global Economy also operates a computer center in Durban, South Africa and recently partnered with e-Mexico to open a community technology center in Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
.
Much of One Global Economy's work is part of Cisco
Cisco
Cisco may refer to:Companies:*Cisco Systems, a computer networking company* Certis CISCO, corporatised entity of the former Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation in Singapore...
's four-year, $10 million commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative to alleviate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa as a geographical term refers to the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara. A political definition of Sub-Saharan Africa, instead, covers all African countries which are fully or partially located south of the Sahara...
. Cisco has partnered with four NGOs--Habitat for Humanity, Inveneo
Inveneo
Inveneo is a 501 non-profit organization based in San Francisco with focus on Information and Communication Technologies for organizations supporting underserved communities in the developing world, mostly in Africa...
, One Global Economy, and Teachers Without Borders--to provide "affordable housing, community connectivity, online content and tools, and hands-on training" to sub-Saharan residents.