The Austin Community College District (ACC) is partnering with local, state, and national organizations to help families transition from public assistance.

Unlocking the Connection is a locally-driven, community-based effort to bring the benefits of the Internet to approximately 4,300 residents throughout Austin’s 18 housing properties. ACC will donate its older computers and electronic devices to the program.

“ACC is eager to partner in such an important initiative that will not only give residents tools and access to the Internet, it will connect them to education, to career training, and to a better future,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president and CEO. “We’re in this because education is the best way out of poverty and this program aligns beautifully with ACC’s mission. By helping to bridge the digital divide, we are able to even the playing field for more residents— making sure they have what they need to succeed in their education and in life.”

As the college upgrades its classrooms, it will repurpose retired computers to pass along to participating residents.

The college is also developing and expanding programs, such as Service Learning, giving ACC students an opportunity to teach members of the community how to use the computers and how to navigate the Internet.

Unlocking the Connection is a first-of-its-kind public-private collaboration in the nation led by nonprofit Austin Pathways, of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. A dozen partners are involved including Google Fiber, the Ford Foundation, Rackspace, and the Austin Community College District.