Community Technology
Community Technology provides and promotes communications technology (ICT) resources to the community through public access and free training, helping residents enhance their knowledge and skills.
Community Technology's work supports the implementation of Austin's Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan. It's a dynamic plan that uses community assets to overcome barriers and to increase resident participation in our digital society. A periodic assessment of residential technology use is also conducted to measure the progress of inclusion activities.
Programs
The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) was created to improve the community's ability to participate in the digital society fully. GTOPs offers three separate award pathways for organizations to apply for funding or devices.
The Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) is a network of dedicated non-profits, educational institutions and other stakeholders working to improve our community's ability to participate in digital society.
Community Technology oversees a contract with Austin Free-Net (AFN), a local non-profit organization. AFN manages the City of Austin's public access computer and technology labs and delivers digital literacy training services.
The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) was created to improve the community's ability to participate in the digital society fully. GTOPs offers three separate award pathways for organizations to apply for funding or devices.
The Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) is a network of dedicated non-profits, educational institutions and other stakeholders working to improve our community's ability to participate in digital society.
Community Technology oversees a contract with Austin Free-Net (AFN), a local non-profit organization. AFN manages the City of Austin's public access computer and technology labs and delivers digital literacy training services.
Community Technology oversees the City’s Public Access Television channels and community media center through a contract with the Austin Film Society (AFS). AFS uses the City’s public access television and community media center to provide media production training, access to media production technology and facilities that includes multiple ways to air or stream the content created by Austin residents.
The City of Austin has a collection of laptops and other equipment available for reservation by Austin residents and organizations through our Technology Lending Library.
ArtConnect is an art contest for ages 10-18 that takes place in the fall during Digital Inclusion Week. Three winners are selected to win cash prizes and showcase their artwork at various gallery spaces across the City, including the Austin Central Library.
Community PC Program (CPCP)
The Community PC Program (CPCP) provides devices to local nonprofits. Local Austin nonprofits currently using older, outdated technology who serve a public good can apply to receive refurbished devices. These devices may be used for your organization's operations or client needs.
Device Donation
The program supports devices from any major manufacturer, equipped with at least an Intel I3 or AMD Ryzen series 3 processor and 4GB of RAM. The devices are surplus property, and organizations interested in donating devices to the program do not need to enter into a contract. Learn more.