The Community Technology Centers Program targets projects that are in communities that are defined as economically distressed. How is that determination made?
The term economically distressed is based on Census data. For specific information, you would need to consult the Census website to determine whether the community in question would fit into this category. Economically distressed communities are those, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, in which a significant percentage (at least half) of the residents have an annual income that is at or below the poverty level. If you are unsure whether your community meets this definition, you should contact the U.S. Census Bureau or your local chamber of commerce. Other data you could use might be any data obtained from your state, county, or local government regarding welfare recipients, unemployment rates, graduation rates from the school districts including any data on levels of student achievement such as mean test scores on any standardized tests that your state may provide. You might also look at labor market indicators and the types of entry-level jobs that are in demand in your area. This
