Tech Search

The program is a two-year project to increase broadband access to underserved groups, including low-income residents, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth and residents whose first language is Spanish.

The project will give eligible people free computer and job training at city libraries and D.C. Community College. Upon graduation, each enrollee will receive a free computer and six months' free Internet service.

The city has received a total of $23.2 million in broadband access funding. Previous grants went toward expansions of computer learning centers and training at libraries, especially in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 east of the river, and expansion of the District's high-speed fiber-optic network, DC-Net.

For information, go to http:/ / octo.dc.gov.

City expands free Wi-Fi network to the Mall

The District introduced free wireless hotspots to the D.C. Wi-Fi network covering the Mall from Third Street to 14th Street on Sept. 1.

The District has installed more than 200 free hotspots in government and outdoor sites throughout the city. To find city hot spots, go to http:/ / wifi.dc.gov and click on a hot spot icon on the D.C. map.

Fashion show to benefit HIV-positive teens

Black Fashion Focus 2010 will start at 7 p.m. Friday at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW.

The fashion show benefits Metro Teen AIDS, a nonprofit group that provides education and outreach to HIV-positive young people and their families.

The show will feature designs from Dena Burton of Los Angeles, Essence Flowers of Tampa, Prajje Jean-Baptiste of Boston, Travis Cal of Houston and Kenny "Kas" Flanagan of the District.

Tickets, at $75 for regular admission and $120 for VIP admission, are available at http:/ / www.blackfashionfocus.com.

-- Compiled by Terence McArdle