In Montclair, New Jersey, a setting of diverse people and resources, it has become evident that the success of the community depends upon the shared commitment of its stakeholders. When the Township began a process of creating a “”networked community,”" it quickly became clear that the chief obstacle was the inability of all citizens to have equal access to computer technology.

In an effort to resolve this dilemma, a member of the Montclair State University faculty joined with the University’s Service-Learning Coordinator and a representative of the United Way of North Essex to explore ways in which a collaboration between the University and community stakeholders could be established to provide the necessary access. During the first phase of the project, university service-learning students, together with community representatives, formed a task force and developed a business plan for a computer recycling program. The plan was to solicit used computers from area businesses, refurbish them, set up learning centers in which children and care givers would learn the technology and, ultimately, deliver them to the homes of families who, otherwise, would not have that access.

The University’s Service-Learning Program has provided the coordination to establish computer learning and recycling programs at Day Nurseries, Frog Hollow Day Care Center, the Unitarian Church of Montclair (an after school program) and the Montclair State University Child Care Center. Students majoring in Management Information Systems, in conjunction with the director of each of these service agencies planned, built and put into operation these four centers. Private citizens are providing the ongoing operation and maintenance of the sites.

These sites will be used for computer-assisted education of children ages 2 – 12. In addition, the sites will be used for computer literacy training of students and adults in the Montclair community. When a learner has demonstrated an ability to responsibly use a computer, the United Way of North Essex will provide a free computer for the student to take home. The computers are being donated by individuals and businesses in the community and refurbished by Montclair State service-learning students. Montclair State University service-learning students and local residents will provide ongoing free “”help desk”" support.

For more information see Montclair’s Service-Learning Program