In March 2000, EBC Inc. launched a regional economic development initiative, known as the City-wide Technology Enrichment Program (CTEP), a $1.2 million comprehensive computer literacy, academic enrichment, and informational program for children and youth, (ages 5 – 18), adults, and senior citizens.  Excellence By Choice Inc., in-conjunction with the City of Durham (NC) Parks and Recreation Department, coordinates and administers this initiative serving over 5000 residents at ten (10) Durham Parks and Recreation Department facilities.  (See ctepdurham.net )

Structured programs are offered in the area of computer literacy, academic enrichment, tutoring and life skills training.  In addition, local residents participate in hands-on demonstrations and informational workshops, and senior citizens become proficient with their use of the technology; as well as, provide a means through which the entire community can access city, state and federal government services.

CTEP initiative currently has a collaborative that consists of over 40 area corporations, agencies and community-based organizations.  These partnerships were formed with the goal of bringing technology enrichment and computer-based programs into inner city communities, and creating job opportunities through computer-based job training.  CTEP partners include area corporations, foundations, government agencies, and community-base organizations. 

CTEP partners include: Microsoft, IBM, SAS Institute, Best Buy, Gateway, Nortel, Verizon, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, NASA, Governor’s Crime Commission, The World Bank, and others provide substantial contributions to the initiative.  North Carolina Central University, Duke University, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and Durham Technical Community College provide students that assist in operations, tutoring and mentoring at each center.  Additionally, over 100 volunteers assist in the project.

Representatives from the Office of the Governor, and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction along with officials from Japan, New Zealand, Florida, South Carolina, and Native Americans located in rural areas, have visited CTEP sites to learn more about the CTEP model.  Visitors praise the CTEP initiative as the premiere model for the state, nation and abroad.  Officials from several other states including Nevada, Colorado, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Hawaii have requested information about the project. 

CTEP has gained local, state, national and international recognition as an impressive, innovative, cost effective collaborative that helps to bridge the “Digital Divide”. 

CTEP acknowledgements:

Ø      Recipient of the coveted North Carolina Recreation and Parks Society “Innovative Program Award 2002”. 

Ø      Featured in the “National League of Cities” July 2002 national publication. 

Ø      Featured as “Nation’s Best Model” in the December 2001/January 2002 edition of “The Children Partnership” national magazine.

Ø      Showcased at the September 2001 Community Technology Centers regional conference held at North Carolina Central University. 

Ø      Topic of discussion during the 2001 meeting of the “U. S. Conference of Governors”

Ø      Nominated for the “Public Technology Solutions Award 2001”.