Bridging the Technology Gap: A Culture-Based Model for Economic Development in Rural Alaska

Abstract

0332608 Dinero This award is to Philadelphia University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Philadelphia University (Lead Institution), University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, Yukon Flats School District, Yukon Koyukuk School District, Arctic Village Local Council, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Nulato City Council, Doyon Ltd, First Alaska Management and Marketing, GCI.net, and The Numi Group. The primary objective of this award is to transfer technology training within existing cultural frameworks of two rural regions of Alaska (Yukon Flats and Yukon Koyukuk) by creating a computer skills, small business, and e-commerce learning model. This model will broaden participation of existing educational institutions and businesses by incorporating grade 9-16 competences and workplace skills in a sequential educational path from secondary to post-secondary leading to workforce credentials. The project will catalyze local, regional, and statewide native infrastructures to develop e-commerce ventures to stimulate village cash economy, codify traditional culture to support regional business ventures, and provide venues to apply and increase technology skills. This model will demonstrate how information technologies can be incorporated into indigenous environments to enhance and strengthen traditional social and economic structures rather than supplant them. Activities include: developing intergenerational culturally-based computer training modules, training villagers to replicate modules in other sites, creating state-of-the-art computer centers, and introducing small e-commerce businesses for native economic growth.