Gates Award: Access to Learning Award
Overview
The Access to Learning Award (ATLA) honors innovative organizations that are opening a world of online information to people in need. The foundation’s Global Libraries initiative invites applications from libraries and similar organizations outside the United States that have created new ways to offer these key services:
- Free public access to computers and the Internet.
- Public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives.
- Technology training for library staff.
- Outreach to underserved communities.
The award recipient will receive $1 million.
Example Grants
-
2008: Vasconcelos ProgramVasconcelos, an innovative mobile technology program, provides computer access and training to remote, indigenous communities in Mexico's Veracruz state.
-
2007: Northern Territory Library, Australia: In extremely remote, underprivileged communities, an innovative technological solution that helps preserve culture is drawing Indigenous Australians into local libraries
-
2006: Rural Education and Development (READ), Nepal: READ Nepal works with villages to build self-supporting libraries (funded through community projects) that provide free access to computers and the Internet, books, multimedia tools, and more.
-
2005: Bangladesh's Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha: Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha converts indigenous boats into mobile libraries that provide free computer and Internet stations and training to agricultural communities in a northern watershed.
-
2004: Denmark's Aarhus Public Libraries and the China Evergreen Rural Library Service Center: Two organizations were honored in 2004 for providing free computer and Internet services to immigrants and refugees in Denmark and to townspeople in remote areas of China.
- 2003: Smart Cape Access Project: Smart Cape Access Project installed computers and Internet access in public libraries in disadvantaged areas of Cape Town to give residents free access for the first time in South Africa.
Eligibility
The 2010 ATLA application form includes a detailed description of eligibility requirements.
Please note:
- Applications are open to institutions outside the United States that are working with disadvantaged communities.
- To be eligible, the applying institution must allow all members of the public to use computers and the Internet free of charge in a community space.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted to the foundation via email. The application form is available only in English and must be completed in English to be eligible for consideration.