Executive Summary – January 30, 2001

Steve Berry
Riverside Community Online

"For Riverside to compete for technology jobs we need residents that understand technology. To attract high-end retail and restaurants to Riverside we need to increase the median income of our residents, says Steve Berry RCOL Director. "If each low income family can earn 10-15% more in wages because of the RCIP program, this can add up to over $500,000 in the family’s pockets over their wage earning lifetime. That is more money for the family and the surrounding community", says Berry.

Riverside Community On-Line has raised an initial $21,000 in local sponsorship funds from area businesses including our key partners-- Riverside County’s Credit Union (RCCU) and Jaguar Computers. Several grants have been written and are pending funding to continue the program.

Each computer system is subsidized $225 to bring the cost of owning the system to a manageable amount. The program targets qualified low-income/minority families with a complete 600mhz computer system, color printer, bi-lingual tech support, operating software, and Internet access for total of $19 per month. The system is installed, tested, and connected to the Internet in the family’s home.

The credit union will finance the loans at a reduced interest rate and waive credit history qualifiers. All the family needs is a valid Social Security Number or a Green Card Number to obtain a loan over the phone. Participants will own the computer after 36 payments. A similar program using refurbished computers will offer a $10 per month rate for 24 months.

The Riverside Eastside Cybrary Connection, Arlanza Computer Center and Center for Virtual Research are the computer centers that train Riverside residents on the computer at no charge. Once the student graduates from the basic computer course and meets the qualifications, he or she is eligible to participate in the program.

Of the 180 computers purchased by families in the Riverside Computer Investment Program since the program began September 1^st 2000, 70% have been to Hispanic families, 18% to African-American families, 11% to Anglo families and less than 1% to Asian families.

Highlights of the January 2001 Phone Survey (20% of the first 100 families)

▪ 81% have decreased the time watching TV

▪ 69% have improved their grades in school

▪ 63% of the children have trained their parents/guardians

▪ 88% use the computer for research projects

▪ 94% are very satisfied with the computer and training experience

For the complete study, please see the detailed report.

What is the RCIP Program?

Own a reconditioned computer system for $10 per month

24 monthly payments includes all taxes, fees and interest, 90 day parts and labor, 90 day
Bi-lingual phone support

Own a NEW computer system for $19 per month

36 monthly payments includes all taxes, fees and interest, one year parts and labor, 90 day
Bi-lingual phone support

Free Internet Access is included in all systems!

Easy over the phone loan program! NO money down!

• New Computer system includes:
• Vista Point Mid-Tower System
• Intel Celeron 600MHz CPU
• 64MB RAM, 1.44MB Floppy
• 10.2GB hard Drive – 52x CD ROM
• V.90 Modem 56KB
• PS/2 Mouse – Keyboard
• Microsoft Windows98
• Vista Point 15" .28DP SVGA Monitor
• Microsoft Works, WORD
• Color Jet Printer
• Video and Sound Cards with speakers
• To qualify for this program, you MUST meet all of the following criteria:
• Be enrolled in a Riverside Public School
• Receive or qualify for the free or reduced school lunch program
• Require a passing GPA or agree to bring up your GPA
• Maintain a good attendance record
• Minimum 6 months residency in The City of Riverside
• Have completed a basic computer course at one of the following community centers (1) Arlanza Computer Center (2) Eastside Cybrary (3) Center for Virtual Research CDI (4)Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Services

Contact:

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