Learning Center - Links
Neighborhood Networks
Neighborhood Networks was created by HUD in 1995 to establish community learning centers that bring computer
access and lifelong learning to low- and moderate-income residents living in multifamily-insured and assisted
housing. More than 1,100 Neighborhood Networks centers operate on HUD Multifamily housing properties
throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Hundreds of additional
community learning centers operate under HOPE VI, the Office of Native American Programs, other Public and Indian Housing programs, and other types of HUD-supported housing. The Neighborhood Networks Web site provides a variety of publications on how to develop and sustain community learning centers. These include: funding opportunities, how-to publications, partnerships and resources
and how to locate other community learning centers. All publications can be downloaded free
of charge.
TechSoup
TechSoup is a comprehensive source of technology information specifically for nonprofit organizations. Resources available include clearinghouses for donated and
discounted computer hardware and software via the Microsoft (and others) donation program, funding
resources, curriculum resources, message boards with questions and answers on how to run a
community technology center.
CTCNet
CTCNet is a national, nonprofit membership organization of more than 1,000 independent community
technology centers where people get free or low-cost access to computers and computer-related technology, such
as the Internet, together with learning opportunities that encourage exploration and discovery. Resources on this
Web site include: Community Technology Center Start Up Guides, sample forms and procedures for
centers, curriculum and funding resources.
America Connects Consortium
The America Connects Consortium (ACC) supports the work of community technology centers (CTCs) across the
country. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, ACC provides technical assistance to the more than 400
centers funded through the federal CTC program. Through training, evaluation, resource development, and
information referral, ACC supports the use of information technology to improve adult literacy and achievement in
education.
Community-Problem-Solving.net
Developed as a part of the Art and Science of Community Problem-Solving Project at Harvard
University, this site offers a wealth of resources for community building, such as:
- Strategy Tools that offer insights on the problem-solving process and its pitfalls, from organizing
stakeholders and setting the agenda to participatory planning, from negotiating better
agreements to building partnerships that work. Crafted for busy people tired of buzzwords, these
tools are free and constantly evolving as democracy itself evolves worldwide.
Our motto: Make new mistakes.
- Program Resources that provide links across the web to the latest info on effective practices and policy trends in education, economic development and employment, the environment, health,
housing and community development, public safety, and other fields.
- A Learning Community that connects you to more real-world examples of the ideas at work, to
peers confronting challenges and generating insights on how local action can make a difference.
The Search Institute
Search Institute is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership,
knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities. To accomplish
this mission, the institute generates and communicates new knowledge, and brings together
community, state, and national leaders.
At the heart of the institute's work is the framework of 40 Developmental Assets, which include
positive experiences and personal qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring,
and responsible.
The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC)
The American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) is a national non-profit organization
representing service coordinators serving families, the elderly, persons with disabilities and
others who are involved in creating and maintaining service-enhanced housing environments. Its
membership consists of individual service coordinators (SCs), Public Housing Authorities, State
Housing Finance Agencies, Community Action Agencies, for profit and nonprofit service
organizations, as well as housing providers, owners, developers, management companies and
other housing staff who assist residents with obtaining services.
Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
CSH helps communities create permanent housing with services to prevent and end
homelessness. The CSH Web site includes a variety of resources for supportive housing providers
and advocates.
The National Resident Services Collaborative
The National Resident Services Collaborative was established by several national, regional and local community development organizations to improve and increase the delivery of resident services for families in affordable housing.
Members are Enterprise; NeighborWorks America; The Community Builders; Mercy Housing; the American Association of Service Coordinators; Preservation of Affordable Housing, of Boston, Massachusetts; Community Preservation and Development Corporation of Washington, D.C.; REACH CDC of Portland, Oregon; the Neighborhood
Partnership Fund in Portland, Oregon; and the Alamo Area
Mutual Housing Association in San Antonio, Texas.
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