1、,Direct Connect Technologies, Inc.,Direct Connect Community Technology Center DCCTC,Direct Connect Technologies, Inc.,Abstract,Direct Connect Technologies Inc. proposes to establish a community technology center (DCCTC) that will aid immigrants to satisfy their basic needs. Our major approaches: Cre
2、ate a set of social solutions that will help integrate them into American society Using IT for education and to enhance their living standard,Background,NYC has a high immigrant population ranging from Asians and Hispanics These numbers are still increasing Immigrants have always faced difficulties
3、when coming to America Tedious processes to enter the States Language barrier Cultural differences Direct Connect wishes to target Queens, NY as the site where the center will be placed.,Problem Definition,Many of the immigrants are unemployed After the wake of 9/11 many Chinese in Chinatown became
4、unemployed They have no related skills or working experience Housing is a severe problem for Hispanics high rent and low availability of housing Similarities between the two groups Lack of education amongst the immigrants and their children Difficulties in speaking, reading and understanding English
5、,Proposed Solutions,Solutions were created to help ease the transition of people from one society another.Goals for our solutions is to provide a range of services designed to help newcomers, their families, and communities become self-sufficient contributing members of American society.,Proposed So
6、lutions,Personal Counseling Services Immigrants may feel confusion and culture shock when they first arrive DCCTC will hold two types of personal counseling; one-on-one and group counseling Counselors will be well versed in the immigrants native tongue Goal of the program is to address some of the c
7、oncerns as well as providing support for the immigrants.,Proposed Solutions,ESL Classes and Basic Computer Training Language barrier is a significant problem ESL classes will be provided and will be tailored according to the needs of the immigrant Basic knowledge of computers will also be provided s
8、ince IT in a necessity nowadays Provide basic English reading, writing and speaking skill Classes are given according to their proficiency level and age For the computer class, the center will be offering basic, immediate and advanced classes,Proposed Solutions,Driving Lessons DCCTC will provide ful
9、l assistance to help understand driving laws DCCTC will help contact DMV to set up appointments for the immigrants Implementation will be as simple as possible for the participants Application Form Drivers manual 5- hour lecture Instructors/Appointments,Proposed Solutions,Activities/Forums The cente
10、r will also be used as a gathering place to hold various events Hub for cultural events and celebrations Chinese New Year and Cinco de Mayo Playgroup for non-working immigrants mothers and their children,Proposed Solutions,Networking Introduce the immigrants to their surroundings Hold “Tour of the N
11、eighborhood” for the immigrants Encourage cooperation from the locals to support the center Hold community activities involving locals and the immigrants to enhance social integration Importance of the neighborhood Why the neighborhood community? How to get assistance? Whats the benefit? What can be
12、 achieved?,Technical Description,Telecommunication Services Long distance phone calls are expensive DCCTC will provide free or low-cost long distance calls to the immigrants The Verizon Foundation is one of the organizations that is keen on supporting the program. Internet Phone Technology Net2Phone
13、 Low-cost and high quality Provide services to 50 countries Savings of 90% off traditional long distance rates,Technical Description,Website Essential information will be provided Housing, News, Transportation, Currency Exchange, Activities, Forums, Advertisement/ Job Seeking, Government Services, O
14、ther Links user-oriented and user-friendly design A survey will be held to set the content of the website Links to important organizations Chat rooms and message boards,Technical Description,Network and Security All the activity that take place over the centers LAN will be monitored DCCTC will use N
15、ovells GroupWise 6 Secure communication Improve user performance and reliability Integrate with other messaging system Enable global communication,Implementation Plan,Employment and Mentoring Program DCCTC will be providing job training to the immigrants that need the service The atmosphere where th
16、ey used to work will quite possibly differ In return for the service, the aided immigrant will give back to the DCCTC by mentoring new immigrants,Implementation Plan,Funding and Partnership Initial funding for this project solely comes from the granting by IT Futures Foundation Create partnership wi
17、th The International Institute of New Jersey Further funding from non-profit organization The New York Foundation Rockefeller Brothers Funds Soros Foundation Networks Fund for the City of New York,Resource Request,Website - $ 13,200 Computers - $ 323,600 Computer Security - $ 341,500 Driving Lessons
18、 - $ 1,140,000 Staff - $ 4,950,000 ESL Class - $ 480,000 Total* - $ 6,906,800*The number does not include building cost. Land values and apartment rents provide us with a rough estimate that the building will cost approximately $260,000. The building is a 3-floor 6 family apartment. We plan to convert this apartment to out central headquarters. The final cost is $ 7,166,800,Direct Connect Community Technology Center DCCTC,Questions & Answers,
