Mission
The mission of Knowledge Hook-Up® is to improve computer literacy and offer internet access to the underserved, low-income community of Southeast Chicago, with the goal of bridging the digital divide, by offering free online and onsite instruction in a fun and safe environment.

As technology grows increasingly more advanced and develops into a leading source of world information, it has become necessary for each of us to become literate with these technologies and be able to develop them for our own use. Computers are now an essential tool that can provide a large part of the fundamental knowledge needed to survive in society. Advances in software provide easier methods of accomplishing tasks and learning materials.
Visual representation and video allow for conceptual ideas to be displayed in a manner easily understood by people of different backgrounds. Lack of access to computers finds those without technology skills to be stuck in place, or
worse, to fall further and further behind. Computer literacy can offer a better deal for everyone rich or poor, and neighborhood technology efforts aligned with neighborhood building efforts, can catalyze new and needed development
for Southeast Chicago.

Many people think that the digital divide has faded away as a generation has already grown up “digital” and Internet access is readily available. But in
Southeast Chicago, less than 15 miles from the Loop, you can forget the Web,
Google, YouTube, MySpace, and Face book, because owning a computer and getting on the Internet is still a luxury. Knowledge Hook-Up has a steady and growing demand for our free classes. We see a new face almost every day.
There is a strong need for any computer available throughout our community,
but unfortunately there are only 207 public computers for a population that is
over 100,000.

Knowledge Hook-Up believes that community empowerment can be
accomplished through the initiative of local residents. As we continue to teach
the benefits of computing for opportunities, convenience and communications,
and as cell phones may make it possible for more of our residents to afford access, we hope that our small introduction to the usefulness of technology will
be integrated into our participants’ daily lives. We thank all of the volunteers
and donors who are helping us to help our community help itself.

Our Donors and Affiliates
We have partnerships with many affiliates in the
10th Ward and Olive-Harvey College. Our programs
are made possible by generous donors.

Show Your Support
KHU is a non-profit organization. Contributions to Knowledge Hook-Up help us improve our programs
and our community. Learn more about how to
donate and show your support.

Recent Accomplishments at KHU  
• Our participants have started a Block Club
using Knowledge Hook-Up as a meeting place
to produce a monthly newsletter that is distributed
throughout the neighborhood.
• KHU donates the computer lab to South Chicago
Parents& Friends for weekly classes. This group
supports persons with developmental disabilities,
enabling them to become productive, valued
members of society.
2005-2008 Archived Accomplishments

Contact Us:
Knowledge Hook-Up
3457 East 106th St.
Chicago, IL 60617
773-221-9111
info@knowledgehookup.org