SRI International Announces Evaluation Results of "One Economy Technology Programs"
MENLO PARK, Calif. -- October 9, 2006 -- SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development organization, today announced the results of a study evaluating Internet usage among low-income Americans participating in a program that increases access to technology. The report examined the impact of One Economy Technology programs in San Jose, California and Miami, Florida. Based on a comparison national study of Internet users conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, the findings show that the One Economy clients accessed the Internet at rates higher than other low-income Americans.
One Economy is a multi-national nonprofit organization that aims to increase access to technology and online tools among low-income Americans. The organization works to provide affordable options for connectivity and hardware and has developed a consumer website called the Beehive (www.thebeehive.org). The Beehive provides bilingual content on health, employment, personal finances, and other daily issues affecting those in low-income households. In addition, One Economy employs youth to train people in their community and offer technical support.
"Our quantitative and qualitative findings offers strong evidence that the One Economy program helps clients to integrate technology into their daily lives," said Vera Michalchik, an SRI policy analyst and the study’s principal investigator. "The program offers tremendous promise to provide low-income people with tools needed to access useful and relevant information."
The study, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation focused on the impact that having a computer with Internet access has on people's lives. The evaluation analyzed the attitudes and behaviors that can lead to improved economic and social outcomes for low-income families through the strategic use of technology. Research studies have shown that lack of access to technology contributes to a widening social and economic gap among Americans. According to the Pew study, 69 percent of Americans are Internet users. Among those with annual incomes under $30,000, only 50 percent are online. And only 40 percent of Americans with incomes below $10,000 describe themselves as Internet users.
In comparison, One Economy clients use the Internet for a wide variety of purposes. SRI’s findings show the following:
- Approximately 75 percent of One Economy clients use their computers regularly to communicate, research information or read the news.
- Between 25 and 50 percent use their computers to apply for jobs, make purchases, pursue educational opportunities and conduct online banking.
- Clients reported a positive effect on their job searches and management of household finances.
"This study affirms that if low-income people have access to technology, they can and will use it to improve their lives," said Rey Ramsey, Chief Executive Officer of One Economy Corporation. "The tools of the Digital Age do serve as a bridge between economic isolation and the economic mainstream."
To view the full report, visit www.one-economy.com.
About SRI International
Silicon Valley-based SRI International (www.sri.com) is one of the world’s leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research institute in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for 60 years. The nonprofit research institute performs contract research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, and private foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships, and creates spin-off companies.
About One Economy Corporation
One Economy Corporation is a multi-national nonprofit founded in 2000 that uses technology-based strategies to help low income people improve their lives and join the economic mainstream. One Economy’s strategy brings broadband into the home along with online content through their bilingual consumer website the Beehive (www.thebeehive.org). Through its Bring IT Home campaign, One Economy has helped bring broadband into the homes of 200,000 low income people. To date nearly nine million individuals have used the Beehive. One Economy recently launched a campaign to expand these online offerings by creating the Public Internet Channel. For more information visit www.one-economy.com.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes journalism excellence worldwide and invests in the vitality of U.S. communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. To learn more, visit www.knightfdn.org.
