CAP - Community Access Program

June 29, 2004

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»	Funding Update	»	Name the Levels Contest
»	Welcoming Deidre

As mentioned in our last CAP News!etter, June 1, 2004, the Department of Education has been working with Industry Canada to introduce a new funding model for CAP Sites in our Province. In the past few years, all CAP Sites have been eligible for an equal amount of funding regardless of size and service levels being provided. CAP sites staffing models, hours of operation, training and physical capacity have all been different to meet the needs of the local community in which they serve.

2004/2005 marks a significant change in the program due to reduced funding levels and a change in focus in reaching Canadians that face the Digital Divide. Changes are necessary for our CAP network to continue to provide effective support for the delivery of public Internet access.

CAP Newfoundland and Labrador will be implementing a new tiered funding model for fiscal year 2004/2005 to better reflect the different levels of service to be provided. Decisions to fund CAP sites will be based upon a competitive process. They are as follows:

Level 1 - Designed to meet the needs of Internet-capable clientele who are looking for convenient, affordable access to the Internet by providing basic public access. Funding Approval Amount - up to a maximum of $3,000.

		Proposed minimum operating requirements:

	·	Minimum of two dedicated computers for public Internet access.
	·	Open a minimum of 10 hours/week (with some access on evenings and/or weekends).
	·	CAP Site not required to offer group Internet or IT training.

Level 2 - Designed to meet the needs of the community by providing public Internet access and Internet and communications technology training. Funding Approval Amount - up to a maximum of $6,000.

		Proposed minimum operating requirements:

	·	Minimum of two dedicated computers for public Internet access.
	·	Open a minimum of 15 hours/week (with some access on evenings and weekends).
	·	Multimedia capabilities on site (digital camera, scanner).
	·	Basic Internet and computer training (ie. QuickClics) provided to the general public (minimum of one group session scheduled per month).
	·	A qualified person must be available to assist users of the CAP Site during hours of operation.

Additional Level of Funding - CAP is also planning to implement an additional level of funding to support CAP sites that offer more frequent, advanced training and a more comprehensive range of services to the public.

		Proposed minimum operating requirements:

	·	Minimum of 6 computers, preferably 10.
	·	Open a minimum of 25 hours/week.
	·	Offer advanced computer training on a regular basis.
	·	Participate in all CAP IT pilot projects.
	·	Participate in all government service delivery projects initiated by the Province.

These CAP sites will be selected through a comprehensive consultation process involving all CAP stakeholders and will be strategically located throughout the province to ensure regional coverage. The implementation of these sites will likely occur during the Fall or Winter. Further information to follow.

Tentative Schedule:

	·	July 19: Launch Application process. This will be a six-week application process. CAP staff will be available to discuss the guidelines and new funding levels during this time.
	·	ugust 27: Deadline for Applications.
	·	By the 2nd week of September: Review applications and make recommendations to the Management Committee for approval.
	·	September 17: Seek Management Committee approval.
	·	September 24: Mail Contribution Agreements to CAP Sites for signing.

Please note: Once the application process is launched, the exact timeframe will be presented in the Funding Guidelines

Library-based CAP sites should note that we are currently negotiating a single agreement with the Provincial Information Library and Resources Board (PILRB) that will provide CAP funding to all library CAP Sites in the province. However, the objectives for CAP and the funding levels will be the same as all other CAP sites. Further details will be available from PILRB in the near future.

As you have just read, we are going to be moving towards a three level system of CAP Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. One problem we are having is coming up with a naming scheme for these various levels. We do not wish to refer to them simply as "Level 1 CAP Site", "Level 2 CAP Site" and "Level 3 CAP Site". Instead, we are looking for some names that sound good but still reflect the differing levels of service. For example, Nova Scotia uses Express, Access and Innovation to differentiate between their levels.

So, we are going to hold a contest! We want you to come up with some names for the three levels. Perhaps the names will be tied together in some theme, or perhaps you just have a great name for one or more of the levels.

Send your ideas to Stefan Barnes at stefanbarnes@gov.nl.ca by July 13th, 2004. The person who submits the winning name(s) will be sent a CAP Prize Pack.

We have some exciting news about the Youth Initiative for this summer. On June 22nd, 2004, Deidre Vey began work with CAP as its Youth Employment Coordinator. Diedre is a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Commerce program at MUN and has previous experience working with youth programs at the national level. We are currently providing her with an orientation this week so that she can assume full responsibility of the program for the remainder of this year. As of July 1st, 2004, any questions regarding the Youth Initiative should be directed to Deidre via email at deidrevey@gov.nl.ca or by phone at (709) 729-1061 or toll free at 1-877-929-1829. Please join us in welcoming Deidre to the CAP team.

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