WinstonNet > Bridging the Digital Divide



		Bridging the Digital Divide WinstonNet, Inc. is a non-profit community technology initiative established with the goal of "bridging the digital divide" by providing community computer access in recreation centers and churches and preparing the workforce for the next generation of network‑based super computing technologies. Striving to be a prototype for the nation, WinstonNet is employing cutting edge technology throughout Forsyth County to set the standard for ubiquitous computing for the nation. Visit the Current Projects page to learn more about how WinstonNet is working in the community and read about what WinstonNet has already accomplished on the History page. WinstonNet operates as a partnership between many of the major academic, social, and corporate institutions in Winston‑Salem. WinstonNet members include: City of Winston-Salem Forsyth County Government Forsyth County Public Libraries Forsyth Technical Community College North Carolina School of the Arts Piedmont Triad Research Park Salem College Wake Forest University Wake Forest University School of Medicine WinstonNet Regional Educational Consortium Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Winston-Salem State University Community Resources	Winston‑Salem, NC has been named to the 2008 Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year list by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) and has joined two other US cities marking the very first time American communities have been recognized for this international award. Press Release Community Profile This award signifies Winston‑Salem’s distinct ability to bring together a government, business, and academic collaboration for the good of the entire community. Specifically, the WinstonNet initiative has been the driving force to build a fiber network that spurred demand and led to an 88% broadband penetration rate. The partners have used this digital foundation to develop free computer labs across the region, create an e-government portal that is number three in the nation, and build a sustainable ICT skills training program. The city and county now count 37,000 biotech employees as residents and will fund a program to put PCs and broadband connection into the homes of low-income students.