June 27, 2011- CTN received the award for “Outstanding Community Connector” at the CBAIS Conference in Cleveland, Ohio on June 27, 2011. In recognition of its leadership, vision, and determination to share the benefits of broadband Internet access with all the people of Detroit, the Connect Your Community Project- of One Community in Cleveland, Ohio presented the “Outstanding Community Connector Award” to The Community Telecommunications Network on June 27, 2011.
CTN received the award as a part of its ongoing efforts to collaborate and build upon resources available to provide access to 21st century to the citizens of this region. CTN was the recipient of a grant from the Knight Foundation for network infrastructure to provide broadband service in selected areas of Detroit. The Knight funds were then used as match to get $3.1 million in ARRA-Connect Your Community funds. The Connect Your Community funds are being used for local training and support in partnership with Focus Hope Matrix Human Services and The Child Care Coordinating Council of Wayne County. In addition, Blue Cross/Blue Shield then followed with 1,700 laptops for project participants (See related story). This combination of network access, training/support, and equipment has made the Detroit operation the envy of the other 5 cities in the CYC grant. To date, more than 1,800 people have graduated and become successful broadband adopters in the targeted, low-income Detroit neighborhoods. The combined efforts are changing peoples’ lives.