Mission

TINCAN provides education and support for social, economic and community development for the Inland Northwest region through the use of information technology and interactive media. We

• create online content of value to the local community;
• develop collaborative training and education utilizing online resources; and
• collaborate with local partners to provide access to digital technologies for those who might otherwise not be able to benefit from online information

History

The concept for Tincan began at a public meeting in 1994, where representatives from business, health care, media, education, community-based organizations and individual citizens identified a need for a public access computer network that reflected community interests. Begun at Eastern Washington University, a 1994 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce allowed the network to go online. Tincan’s original focus was equitable access to telecommunications and computer technology. While still supporting access, our focus has become developing meaningful content in support of the development of a vibrant community where online information is both readily available and useful to the region’s citizens. In late 1999, Tincan moved out of the university to become a non-profit organization.