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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Access to Learning Award (ATLA) 2009
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| Source: | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Date added: | 2008-07-07 |
| Sector: | Education |
| Theme: | Access |
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s annual Access to Learning Award is inviting applications. The Award recognizes the innovative efforts of public libraries and similar institutions outside the United States to connect people to information and opportunities through free access to computers and the Internet. The award is given by Global Libraries, a special initiative of the foundation’s Global Development Program.
Computers and the Internet are powerful tools that provide opportunities for people to improve their social and economic well being. Worldwide, just one person in six has access to the Internet. This means that five billion people miss out on chances to pursue education and employment, access government services, learn about valuable health information, conduct business online, and exchange information and ideas. The Access to Learning Award encourages new, innovative ways to provide computer and Internet services to people most in need, and promotes greater development of public access technology programs around the world.
The recipient of the Access to Learning Award will receive US $1 million.
An international advisory committee made up of librarians, information
technology experts, and foundation staff evaluates applications based on candidates’ innovative efforts to:
• make computer and Internet access free to the public;
• train the public in using technology and accessing information;
• educate staff on technology use; and
• reach out to underserved communities.
The 2009 brochures (in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish), application form and further information are now available from the website.
Completed applications must be submitted by 31 October 2008.