Y-ZONE: A DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY ZONE
Y-ZONE was a community based program that ran from November 2021 through August 2023. The program empowered residents to be more successful in our digital world. Through partnerships with local organizations, the Y-Zone helped eligible Yonkers residents receive free or low-cost digital resources.
Y-ZONE incorporated three core principles:
Y-ZONE incorporated three core principles:
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1. Establish a digital equity ecosystem driven by a coalition of committed local stakeholders, including residents and program youth
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The Y-Zone was paid for by the City of Yonkers through a New York State administered Community Development Block Grant under the CARES Act. |
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ABOUT THE Y-ZONE:
The Yonkers Zone (Y-Zone), was named for the community it served and started as part of Project Overcome: a $2.7 million effort to expedite the delivery of broadband services to underserved communities across the United States. The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) conceived of and provided $2.25 million in funding for the project, with Schmidt Futures joining as a financial and strategic partner to extend Project OVERCOME’s geographic reach with an additional $450,000.
In May 2022, the Y-Zone entered a year 2 phase under the leadership of the Westchester County Association (WCA). Operationalizing City of Yonkers CDBG CARES Act funding, WCA spearheaded an additional 12-month digital navigator project. In order to accomplish this innovative and ambitious endeavor, the WCA partnered with the City of Yonkers, Yonkers Partners in Education, Fordham University, Westhab and The STEM Alliance. Funding ended in August 2023, but the partners are continuing to identify additional funding to reestablish services.
In May 2022, the Y-Zone entered a year 2 phase under the leadership of the Westchester County Association (WCA). Operationalizing City of Yonkers CDBG CARES Act funding, WCA spearheaded an additional 12-month digital navigator project. In order to accomplish this innovative and ambitious endeavor, the WCA partnered with the City of Yonkers, Yonkers Partners in Education, Fordham University, Westhab and The STEM Alliance. Funding ended in August 2023, but the partners are continuing to identify additional funding to reestablish services.
Y-ZONE PARTNERS
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