UK Online is part of the Government's initiative to ensure that everyone in the UK who wants it will have access to the Internet, and to make the UK one of the world’s leading knowledge economies. You, or your organisation may be eligible to apply for recognition as a UK Online Learning Centre. All existing IT centres in England can now apply for recognition as a UK online centre.

There are grants available for those wishing to set up a learning centre, or develop an existing learning centre in a local community in England to meet the needs of people who have low, or no ICT skills or access to PCs with training to use them.

Applications can be submitted by a wide range of organisations including: community groups, voluntary organisations, local authorities, libraries, schools, other educational establishments such as Universities and HE/FE, museums, galleries, businesses or anyone who is working with such communities as described above. It is well worth visiting the website listed below, and downloading the prospectus for details, case studies etc.

There are two sections for application (hence there are two separate application forms), one for existing centres to set up and improve on existing activities, one for applying for recognition as a UK Online Learning Centre.

Your attention should be drawn to the following, as the next closing date for Phase 2 is just a few weeks away on 4 May 2001, Phase 1 closed on 16 November 2000.

Further dates for applications may also be made available, and will be announced by 28 September 2001. For full details go to <A
http://www.dfee.gov.uk/ukonlinecentres/prospect.htm