Organization seeks to battle digital divide

Like computers? Like business? Like Tibet? \nAnyone who answered yes to those three questions has an open invitation from the national outreach organization Students For Change to join a new series of international technology development programs.\nOrganized in 1998 by a California State University master's student, Students For Change is an IRS-recognized nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate the "digital divide" in underdeveloped nations. In Jan. 2001 a group of SFC members will travel to Nepal (a small country between China and India) to help inhabitants of a Tibetan refugee settlement learn computer and small-business skills.\nFor IU students, access to information from across campus or across the globe is just a Alt-Control-Delete away. But this is not true in Nepal, where computer use is mainly restricted to tourists who use the ones found in city cybercafes. \nRobyn McClintock, the group's founder and chief executive officer, studied in Nepal for her master's degree in conflict resolution. She said she found an interest in computer and Internet usage among Nepalese villagers but noted that lack of hardware and little computer training stunted technology development.\nAs a result of her findings, McClintock, who has also worked with Native American communities, came up with a plan to gather willing students to teach villagers how to use donated computer equipment.\nUltimately the program's goal is to translate computer skills into interior development projects that will create economic growth. The first outreach trip took place earlier this year.\nStudents For Change is recruiting students from universities that offer business and computer science majors -- including IU. McClintock said she is eager to hear from IU students, especially those focusing on international business, computer information systems or telecommunications.\nInterested students can participate in the group's programs either in the field or at home via the Internet. Home volunteer positions are available in Web site development, public relations, student mentoring and other administrative tasks. Additionally, Students for Change accepts donations of hardware and software.\nStudents who would like to take part in the actual Nepal trip can find an application, due Nov. 1, at the group's Web site, studentsforchange.org. The application asks for three letters of recommendation, a student transcript, a statement of purpose and a brief autobiography.\nStudents For Change will select 10 students in November, and orientational culture, language and technology classes will be conducted over the Internet through early January. Departure for Pokhara, Nepal, will be Jan. 25, with a return date April 26. The estimated cost of the trip, including airfare, transportation, insurance, vaccinations, accommodations with a host family and technology expenses, is about $4,100.\nSenior Jeff Miller and junior Sarah Spigel said they agree that computer access and awareness throughout the world is vital.\n"I think it's very important (to teach people about technology)," Spigel said. "You can find anything on the Internet, you can find people, everything's out there"