| Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama, will receive a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant of $424,000 to expand the work begun by its Neighborhood Networks Community Development Centers. The centers now serve a target population of more than 4,400 low-income persons living in and adjacent to 5 public housing communities and were developed using HBCU funds. With the new grant, the CDC's service area will be expanded and new ventures will be initiated in the areas of promoting fair housing options, neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and community-based education support services. The project has as among its objectives increasing minority and low-income homeownership by 20 percent; improving the quality of 100 dwelling units; extending direct assistance to at least 15 individuals in establishing their own businesses; improving the computer literacy of 350 youths, adults, and elderly residents; and increasing the employment rate among adults and adolescents seeking employment by 25 percent. In partnership with community organizations, government agencies, and local businesses, these objectives will be met through a program of educational seminars and workshops, mentorship, service learning and internship programs for students, community outreach activities, and technical assistance. To further its goals of increasing homeownership and entrepreneurship, the CDC will identify ways to set up a low-interest loan pool for low-income persons and investigate and provide information on home-based business opportunities.
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