ReportWire

Tag: Digital divide

  • DigitalC On Track to Hit Subscriber Goal as Cleveland Model Replicated Elsewhere – Cleveland Scene

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    Joshua Edmonds had a big goal at hand when he met with members of Cleveland City Council in June 2023: Convince the city DigitalC was worthy of tens of millions of dollars to hook Clevelanders up with quality, cheap internet and convince Clevelanders to pick them over other, more established ISPs.

    That also meant convincing subscribes that the $18/month base rate for internet would stay $18/month.

    “We don’t get you into some type of promotional rate and then within one year, we’re making you pay something else,” he told Council at the time. “That’s not our model. We don’t believe in that. That’s in our opinion, a bit predatory.”

    A year and a half after DigitalC began connecting Cleveland, Edmonds is championing the success of the model—cheap, city-subsidized Wi-Fi—that is being replicated in cities like Detroit. 

    DigitalC signed a $20 million deal with Cleveland to provide internet to at least 23,500 households by 2028, funded by a portion of the city’s ARPA dollars. DigitalC only gets its full yearly payment if it meets a certain annual threshhold. While progress was slow initially — the nonprofit missed its 2024 benchmark of 3,500 by 600 and got docked $1 million by City Council — there are now 7,600 subscribers.

    Gaining the ability to legally canvass neighborhoods is what has led to hitting the goal in 2025, Edmonds said.

    Consistent, good service at that price point is an easy sell, it turns out. The company has a 4.8 star rating based on 195 Google reviews, with many citing how impressed they were with an ISP that was relatively unknown a year or two prior.

    “I was very skeptical” at first, Terry McNeil commented. “Promising [fast] service through the air is a tall task but the price was to hard to pass up.”

    “I am free from the evils of Spectrum and AT&T,” John Elliot wrote. “No frills or weirdness with the same performance of a $109/mo Spectrum plan.”

    In an interview Tuesday, Edmonds attributed the bulk of the praise and happy users not to any flashy TV spots, Instagrams ads, or wider media campaigns. A good portion of DigitalC’s customers never had internet previously, he said, and even drive to its office in Midtown to pay their internet bill in cash or check.

    “Most of that success is because of word-of-mouth, really,” Edmonds told Scene in a phone call. “People just telling people they’re happy with the service.”

    Years ago, before City Council even entertained paying for a Cleveland-based ISP, the city had one of the largest digital divides in the country. Just half of Cleveland households had internet connections in 2019.

    It’s what’s led to a modern-day form of redlining, where Wi-Fi is a luxury rather than a base-line utility. Which Edmonds said he’s aiming to reverse, a mission that’s led his team to coin the phrase “greenlining.”

    Edmonds said he’s so happy with how the model’s grown in Cleveland that he wants to replicate in in Detroit. As of December, a city-funded pilot project there has connected roughly 450 Detroit homes.

    Not just to YouTube or Facebook, he noted. But to virtual doctor’s appointments. To SNAP applications. To find work, keep the power on, stay in touch with their kids.

    “People, they use our internet to access social services,” Edmonds said. “They use it to find jobs, pay bills, pretty much everything they couldn’t do before with just their phone.”

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  • Citi Foundation is putting $25M toward tackling young adults’ unemployment and AI labor disruptions

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    NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Young jobseekers, challenged by a rapidly changing labor market, are having a tough time.

    The U.S. unemployment rate for 22- to 27-year-old degree holders is the highest in a dozen years outside of the pandemic. Companies are reluctant to add staff amid so much economic uncertainty. The hiring slump is especially hitting professions such as information technology that employ more college graduates, creating nightmarish job hunts for the increasingly smaller number who do complete college. Not to mention fears that artificial intelligence will replace entry-level roles.

    So, Citi Foundation identified youth employability as the theme for its $25 million Global Innovation Challenge this year. The banking group’s philanthropic arm is donating a half million dollars to each of 50 groups worldwide that provide digital literacy skills, technical training and career guidance for low-income youth.

    “What we want to do is make sure young people are as prepared as possible to find employment in a world that’s moving really quickly,” said Ed Skyler, Citi Head of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs.

    Employer feedback suggested to Citi that early career applicants lacked the technical skills necessary for roles many had long prepared to fill, highlighting the need for continued vocational training and the importance of soft skills.

    Skyler pointed to the World Economic Forum’s recent survey of more than 1,000 companies that together employ millions of people. Skills gaps were considered the biggest barrier to business transformation over the next five years. Two-thirds of respondents reported planning to hire people with specific AI skills and 40% of them anticipated eliminating jobs AI could complete.

    Some of Citi’s grantees are responding by teaching people how to prompt AI chatbots to do work that can be automated. But Skyler emphasized it was equally important that Citi fund efforts to impart qualities AI lacks such as teamwork, empathy, judgment and communication.

    “It’s not a one-size-fits-all effort where we think every young person needs to be able to code or interface with AI,” Skyler said. “What is consistent throughout the programs is we want to develop the soft skills.”

    Among the recipients is NPower, a national nonprofit that seeks to improve economic opportunity in underinvested communities by making digital careers more accessible. Most of their students are young adults between the ages of 18 and 26.

    NPower Chief Innovation Officer Robert Vaughn said Citi’s grant will at least double the spaces available in a program for “green students” with no tech background and oftentimes no college degree.

    Considering the tech industry’s ever-changing requirements for skills and certifications, he said, applicants need to demonstrate wide-ranging capabilities both in cloud computing and artificial intelligence as well as project management and emotional intelligence.

    As some entry-level roles get automated and outsourced, Vaughn said companies aren’t necessarily looking for college degrees and specialized skillsets, but AI comfortability and general competency.

    “It is more now about being able to be more than just an isolated, siloed technical person,” he said. “You have to actually be a customer service person.”

    Per Scholas, a tuition-free technology training nonprofit, is another one of the grantees announced Tuesday. Caitlyn Brazill, its president, said the funds will help develop careers for about 600 young adults across Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Chicago and the greater Washington, D.C area.

    To keep their classes relevant, she spends a lot of time strategizing with small businesses and huge enterprises alike. Citi’s focus on youth employability is especially important, she said, because she hears often that AI’s productivity gains have forced companies to rethink entry-level roles.

    Dwindling early career opportunities have forced workforce development nonprofits like hers to provide enough hands-on training to secure jobs that previously would have required much more experience.

    “But if there’s no bottom rung on the ladder, it’s really hard to leap up, right?” Brazill said.

    She warned that failing to develop new career pathways could hurt the economy in the long run by blocking young people from high growth careers.

    Brookings Institution senior fellow Martha Ross said Citi was certainly right to focus on technology’s disruption of the labor market. But she said the scale of that disruption is “too big for philanthropy” alone.

    “We did not handle previous displacements due to automation very well,” Ross said. “We left a lot of people behind. And we now have to decide if we’re going to replicate that or not.”

    ___

    Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

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  • Citi Foundation putting $25M toward tackling unemployment and AI labor disruptions

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    NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Young jobseekers, challenged by a rapidly changing labor market, are having a tough time.

    The U.S. unemployment rate for 22- to 27-year-old degree holders is the highest in a dozen years outside of the pandemic. Companies are reluctant to add staff amid so much economic uncertainty. The hiring slump is especially hitting professions such as information technology that employ more college graduates, creating nightmarish job hunts for the increasingly smaller number who do complete college. Not to mention fears that artificial intelligence will replace entry-level roles.

    So, Citi Foundation identified youth employability as the theme for its $25 million Global Innovation Challenge this year. The banking group’s philanthropic arm is donating a half million dollars to each of 50 groups worldwide that provide digital literacy skills, technical training and career guidance for low-income youth.

    “What we want to do is make sure young people are as prepared as possible to find employment in a world that’s moving really quickly,” said Ed Skyler, Citi Head of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs Ed Skyler.

    Employer feedback suggested to Citi that early career applicants lacked the technical skills necessary for roles many had long prepared to fill, highlighting the need for continued vocational training and the importance of soft skills.

    Skyler pointed to the World Economic Forum’s recent survey of more than 1,000 companies that together employ millions of people. Skills gaps were considered the biggest barrier to business transformation over the next five years. Two-thirds of respondents reported planning to hire people with specific AI skills and 40% of them anticipated eliminating jobs AI could complete.

    Some of Citi’s grantees are responding by teaching people how to prompt AI chatbots to do work that can be automated. But Skyler emphasized it was equally important that Citi fund efforts to impart qualities AI lacks such as teamwork, empathy, judgment and communication.

    “It’s not a one-size-fits-all effort where we think every young person needs to be able to code or interface with AI,” Skyler said. “What is consistent throughout the programs is we want to develop the soft skills.”

    Among the recipients is NPower, a national nonprofit that seeks to improve economic opportunity in underinvested communities by making digital careers more accessible. Most of their students are young adults between the ages of 18 and 26.

    NPower Chief Innovation Officer Robert Vaughn said Citi’s grant will at least double the spaces available in a program for “green students” with no tech background and oftentimes no college degree.

    Considering the tech industry’s ever-changing requirements for skills and certifications, he said, applicants need to demonstrate wide-ranging capabilities both in cloud computing and artificial intelligence as well as project management and emotional intelligence.

    As some entry-level roles get automated and outsourced, Vaughn said companies aren’t necessarily looking for college degrees and specialized skillsets, but AI comfortability and general competency.

    “It is more now about being able to be more than just an isolated, siloed technical person,” he said. “You have to actually be a customer service person.”

    Per Scholas, a tuition-free technology training nonprofit, is another one of the grantees announced Tuesday. Caitlyn Brazill, its president, said the funds will help develop careers for about 600 young adults across Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Chicago and the greater Washington, D.C area.

    To keep their classes relevant, she spends a lot of time strategizing with small businesses and huge enterprises alike. Citi’s focus on youth employability is especially important, she said, because she hears often that AI’s productivity gains have forced companies to rethink entry-level roles.

    Dwindling early career opportunities have forced workforce development nonprofits like hers to provide enough hands-on training to secure jobs that previously would have required much more experience.

    “But if there’s no bottom rung on the ladder, it’s really hard to leap up, right?” Brazill said.

    She warned that failing to develop new career pathways could hurt the economy in the long run by blocking young people from high growth careers.

    Brookings Institution senior fellow Martha Ross said Citi was certainly right to focus on technology’s disruption of the labor market. But she said the scale of that disruption is “too big for philanthropy” alone.

    “We did not handle previous displacements due to automation very well,” Ross said. “We left a lot of people behind. And we now have to decide if we’re going to replicate that or not.”

    ___

    Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

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  • Digitunity Releases New Case Study on Expanding Computer Access in Rural Mississippi

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    Coahoma and Warren Counties highlight a sustainable, community-driven model for increasing digital readiness and opportunity.


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., April 22, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity, a national nonprofit focused on closing the digital divide through expanding computer ownership, has released a new case study about its recent work in Coahoma and Warren Counties, Mississippi. The report details a collaborative effort to expand computer ownership, digital skills training, and affordable internet in rural communities that face some of the country’s highest rates of digital disconnection.

    In partnership with the Mississippi Broadband Association(MSBA), AT&T, and local community organizations, Digitunity helped distribute refurbished laptops and fostered sustainable pathways to computer ownership. By combining computer access with digital literacy instruction and localized support, the initiative helps build a community-centered model known as a Sustainable Device Ecosystem.

    “We know that access to a computer is more than a convenience; it’s a gateway to opportunity,” said Scot Henley, Executive Director at Digitunity. “This case study shows what’s possible when communities come together to build their own digital future.”

    The need is urgent. In 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 4 households in Mississippi lacked access to a large-screen computer or relied only on a smartphone for internet connectivity. That figure rose to 39% in Coahoma County, while in Warren County, 25.3% of households faced the same barrier.

    Digitunity’s work in Mississippi reflects its role as a field catalyst, helping rural communities create systems they can adopt, sustain, and lead independently. The model documented in this case study offers a replicable framework for practitioners, funders, and policymakers focused on long-term digital access strategies.

    Key Highlights from the Case Study

    • As of January 2025, more than 500 refurbished laptops have been distributed or are scheduled for deployment across Coahoma and Warren Counties through various community-driven initiatives outlined in the case study.

    • Community-based pathways to computer ownership were integrated with workforce development and digital skills training through local institutions

    • Launch of a Digital Opportunity Fund reinvests in local access and training

    The full case study is available now on Digitunity’s website.

    About Digitunity
    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For over 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Digitunity Achieves Milestone of Connecting 10,000 Learners With Digital Skills Training

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    In collaboration with AT&T, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the ‘digital divide’ supported community-based training nationwide, empowering people with essential technology skills.


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., March 11, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In partnership with AT&T, Digitunity, a national nonprofit with a mission to make computer ownership possible for everyone, announces that it provided 10,000 people across the United States with digital skills training in 2024 through its Connected Learning Award Program.

    For four decades, Digitunity’s mission has been to ensure that everyone can own a computer and build computer skills, so they can gain independence and the education, healthcare and career opportunities needed to succeed in today’s digital world. More than 47 million Americans do not own a computer, limiting their ability to fully participate in the digital economy and access essential online resources.

    In this program, Digitunity collaborated with AT&T to provide the telecommunications leader’s Connected Learning curriculum, which covers digital skills such as video conferencing, email, cybersecurity, and internet and mobile device basics.

    Digitunity supported 57 organizations across 22 states, enabling them to deliver instructor-led workshops that taught the Connected Learning curriculum to underserved populations such as seniors, people in active recovery, and rural populations.

    As a catalyst for expanding computer ownership and digital skills, Digitunity collaborates with major corporations and community organizations to deliver technology and training that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

    Digitunity’s community partners report significant successes from implementing the Connected Learning curriculum.

    “The impact on our learners has been transformative and we’re looking forward to helping even more people improve their digital skills,” said Mary Carlson, digital literacy specialist at Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning (RIRAL).

    “This experience has been incredibly powerful, breaking down barriers for vulnerable individuals by providing them with fundamental computer skills they would likely not have obtained through other means,” said Frankie Garcia-Leon, administrator at Hope House Guthrie in Oklahoma.

    The Connected Learning initiative has won recognition from state-level organizations, including the Arkansas State Broadband Office, which connected community groups statewide with Digitunity and the digital skills program.

    “This initiative directly enhances our literacy programs, helping individuals develop essential technology skills,” said Charlie Muessemeyer, executive director of Dogwood Literacy Council in western Arkansas. “With this support, Dogwood Literacy Council can advance literacy, empower individuals, and build a more inclusive and connected community.”

    About Digitunity

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address the computer needs of those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.

    Contact Information

    Maria Penaloza
    maria.penaloza@newswire.com

    Source: Digitunity

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  • H&R Block and Digitunity Release Case Study on Impactful Partnership to Build Digital Access through Technology Donations

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    A Model for Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Empowerment through Retired Tech Assets 
     


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., February 5, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    H&R Block and Digitunity have unveiled a comprehensive case study detailing their transformative partnership to tackle the digital divide through responsible and secure technology donations. Since 2020, the collaboration has led to the donation of over 94,000 technology items, providing essential digital access to underserved communities across the United States. These donations have had a powerful impact on communities and have paved the way for digital inclusion and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    H&R Block’s commitment to social impact under its Make Every Block Better initiative led the company to seek an innovative solution for repurposing its tech assets securely and responsibly. Through a partnership with Digitunity, H&R Block has made significant strides toward its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals while addressing the technology needs of diverse communities nationwide. This newly released case study provides in-depth insights into this journey, highlighting key metrics, success stories, and community outcomes that demonstrate the power of corporate tech donations.

    “Our collaboration with Digitunity has enabled us to turn retired technology assets into valuable tools for empowerment and digital inclusion. We hope our journey can inspire other organizations to explore similar initiatives that drive both social impact and corporate responsibility,” said H&R Block’s Chief Information Officer, Alan Lowden.

    The case study features detailed accounts of H&R Block’s initial pilot donation of 600 devices to World Computer Exchange in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and how the collaboration has expanded to reach over 40 organizations across 448 locations. Donations have enabled digital literacy, remote learning, and job search capabilities, benefiting individuals and families through programs across the United States.

    “Our work with H&R Block shows how corporate and nonprofit partnerships can drive meaningful change through their retired tech assets,” said Susan Krautbauer, Director of Advancement at Digitunity. “We hope this case study inspires more corporations to view tech donations as a powerful CSR strategy that promotes computer ownership through the refurbishment and reuse of operational equipment that can impact their local communities.”

    Digitunity and H&R Block invite other corporate leaders, CSR managers, and sustainability officers to download the case study to learn more about this collaboration and discover how similar partnerships can turn retired technology into life-changing resources for communities in need. Download the full case study to learn more about the H&R Block-Digitunity partnership and its impact.

    For more information on how to donate your organization’s retired technology to support communities and drive digital inclusion, please contact: info@digitunity.org

    About Digitunity:
    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address the computer needs of those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.

    Contact Information

    Maria Penaloza
    maria.penaloza@newswire.com

    Source: Digitunity

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  • North Carolina Selects Digitunity to Support Digital Equity Plan Implementation

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    Through its Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has engaged Digitunity to expand device ownership among North Carolinians impacted by the digital divide.


    NORTH CONWAY, NH, December 10, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    North Carolina has selected Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization, to support its efforts to address the digital divide. Through this multi-year engagement, facilitated by the Friday Institute at NC State University, Digitunity will support the implementation of North Carolina’s Digital Equity Plan with a particular focus on expanding computer ownership among low-income people, rural residents, veterans, older adults, and other underserved segments of the population.

    “We are excited to work with Digitunity to implement the state’s five-year plan to bring computers and technical support to more North Carolinians so they can safely participate in our increasingly digital world,” said Annette Taylor, director of the NCDIT Office of Digital Equity and Literacy. “This partnership will help ensure residents across the state can work remotely, access online learning opportunities and benefit from telehealth services.”

    Under this engagement, Digitunity will collaborate with NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and local stakeholders to establish a device distribution network that addresses the diverse needs of people in communities across the state. Central to this effort is a “hub and spoke” distribution model, designed to streamline device allocation by connecting regional refurbishing centers, or “hubs,” with trusted, vetted, and trained community deployment sites or “spokes.” Nonprofit computer refurbishers Kramden Institute and E2D are integral contributors to North Carolina’s efforts to meet the device needs of residents impacted by the digital divide.

    Additionally, Digitunity will provide strategic guidance and support to advance device-focused ecosystems across North Carolina. This includes advising on resource allocation, fostering partnerships and guidance on the refurbishing landscape, and supporting the development of programs and strategies to support covered populations’ device needs.

    This partnership is closely aligned with North Carolina’s goal of achieving 95% large-screen device ownership among households by 2029, as outlined in the state’s Digital Equity Plan.

    “Digitunity is honored to have been selected to support North Carolina’s commitment to digital equity,” Scot Henley, Executive Director of Digitunity. “North Carolina has long been viewed as a digital equity innovator and leader, so we are especially proud to collaborate with the NCDIT team and stakeholders across the state.”

    Digitunity invites interested organizations, businesses, and community leaders to support this statewide effort. Through collaborative action, North Carolina aims to build a robust digital infrastructure that closes the digital divide and provides all residents with the tools to thrive in a digital world.

    About Digitunity
    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. Engaged in advancing digital equity for nearly forty years, Digitunity generates and places donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supports a national practitioner network, and advises states, cities, and coalitions on strategies to meet the ongoing device needs of people impacted by the digital divide.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Unbelievable facts

    Unbelievable facts

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    Nearly 3 billion people worldwide have never used the internet.

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  • Comcast RISE program supports small businesses with grants and resources

    Comcast RISE program supports small businesses with grants and resources

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     Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, education resources, monetary grants, creative production, media, and technology makeovers.

    Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hard hit by Covid-19recover and thrive. To date, 13,500 small businesses were awarded with over $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants. We’re pleased to bring Comcast RISE back in 2024. As small businesses transition from pandemic recovery to a focus on expansion and growth, Comcast will continue their efforts and help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. 

    Comcast RISE is one of several programs that Comcast has overseen as part of Project UPthat are aimed at closing the digital divide and achieving digital equity.

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  • Meet the Winners—Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) in Manassas, Virginia wins the 2024 Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity.

    Meet the Winners—Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) in Manassas, Virginia wins the 2024 Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity.

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    The CoSN Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity recognizes a district that is working to address digital equity, narrow the Homework Gap and ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

    “PWCS’ commitment to bridging the digital divide is unwavering, and receiving the Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity recognizes the collaborative efforts of our division and schools,” said Matt Guilfoyle, Chief Information Officer, PWCS. “We believe that equitable access to technology is essential, and it is our responsibility to empower our students to be digital citizens who use information technology to better themselves and the world around them.”

    PWCS uses and supports technology in innovative ways. Most importantly, each school has an instructional technology coach who offers professional development and assistance to teachers, supporting a culture of innovation. The rich data culture has positively affected attendance, student support and graduation rates.

    Kevin Hogan
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  • Digitunity and World Education Services (WES) Partner to Help Close the Digital Divide for Immigrants and Refugees

    Digitunity and World Education Services (WES) Partner to Help Close the Digital Divide for Immigrants and Refugees

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    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., March 26, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Immigrants and refugees face significant systemic barriers that limit their access to essential resources, notably affordable technology. In response to this critical challenge, World Education Services (WES), through the Mariam Assefa Fund and in partnership with Digitunity, initiated a pivotal program to help close digital disparities and support communities.

    WES, a non-profit social enterprise with a nearly 50-year history, is dedicated to assisting international students, immigrants, and refugees in achieving their educational and career goals in the U.S. and Canada. The organization’s philanthropic arm, the Mariam Assefa Fund, focuses on advancing inclusive economies and communities through grantmaking, impact investing, and partnerships.

    Recognizing the challenges immigrant and refugee communities face and the grassroots organizations serving them in obtaining affordable computers, WES collaborated with Digitunity, a national non-profit organization dedicated to making computer ownership possible for everyone. This partnership was forged during the Mariam Assefa Fund’s annual Fund Ambassadors program, where Ernest Wurzbach, a Fund Ambassador and WES’ Director of Technology Infrastructure, Operations, and Security, identified a stockpile of 877 useful devices and donated them to four non-profit organizations across the U.S. and Canada via Digitunity’s technology matching platform.

    As a result of the collaboration between World Education Services (WES) and Digitunity, immigrants, refugees, and international students have been given meaningful access to digital technology. Ashley Taylor, Senior Associate of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives at WES, commented on the initiative’s broader implications: “Providing access to reliable technology equipment for immigrants, refugees, and international students isn’t just about connectivity. By partnering with Digitunity, we seek to advance systems change and dismantle barriers that disproportionately impact underserved communities and prevent them from thriving.” 

    With this initiative, underserved groups were able to access technology, and electronic waste was managed sustainably. WES and Digitunity have demonstrated that technology donations can enhance digital equity and environmental stewardship by repurposing surplus technology. This is a powerful tool for social change.

    With Digitunity’s support, WES’ donated technology was connected to recipients aligned with their organization’s objectives in a tailored manner. The WES and Digitunity partnership will continue flourishing as WES learns from other members of Digitunity’s national practitioner network and explores additional digital equity opportunities.

    This experience has led WES to encourage other organizations to partner with Digitunity and donate excess technology. In doing so, they can help reduce carbon footprints, create opportunities for populations facing inequitable technology barriers, and learn about sustainable practices, the importance of technology ownership for the underserved, and the needs of the communities in which we work and live. This project illustrates how collaborative efforts can dismantle systemic barriers, one device at a time, for a more inclusive and equitable society.

    About Digitunity  

    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital equity by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Its mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about Digitunity’s work, please visit digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

    The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

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    Key points:

    In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in education, the expiration of the E-rate program’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding poses a significant threat to underserved schools and libraries. This funding, which was crucial in bridging the digital divide, now stands at a crossroads, potentially leaving many educational institutions grappling with outdated technology and hindering access to the digital resources necessary for effective learning.

    While the stakes are high and a potential crisis may be looming, there are several solutions to mitigate the impact on underserved areas as we transition to a post-ECF era.

    The role of ECF funding in schools and libraries

    For context, the E-rate program, established in 1996 as part of the Telecommunications Act, aimed to ensure affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services for schools and libraries. Over the years, the ECF component of E-rate emerged as a lifeline for schools and libraries, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. This fund addressed the digital divide by providing financial support for broadband connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspots, and connected devices such as laptops and tablets.

    ECF funding has played a pivotal role in transforming underserved schools and libraries into tech-savvy hubs of learning. It enabled these institutions to acquire up-to-date technology, offering students and community members access to a wealth of information and educational resources. This funding helped level the playing field, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that students from all backgrounds had equal opportunities to excel when digital education was the only option to continue learning.

    The expiration threat

    Now, with the expiration of ECF funding, it brings with it myriad challenges, primarily centered around the potential exacerbation of the digital divide. Without continued financial support, schools and libraries may struggle to maintain or upgrade their technological infrastructure. This could result in a regression to outdated systems, hindering the ability of students and community members to engage in new and evolving educational needs.

    Concern also has been raised about the potential lack of access to technology becoming a far-reaching consequence for underserved communities. If educational opportunities become limited, students’ ability to develop essential digital skills necessary for success in the workforce may be hindered. Moreover, the potential digital divide is likely to extend beyond the classroom, affecting adults who rely on these institutions for access to online job searches, healthcare information, and government services. The long-lasting effects could perpetuate a cycle of poverty and limit the socio-economic growth of these communities.

    Solutions to bridge the gap

    To address the impending digital crisis, several solutions can be explored. Advocacy for the extension or renewal of ECF funding is a critical step. Policymakers must recognize the fundamental role that technology plays in education and prioritize continued support for underserved areas. Additionally, partnerships between private and public sectors can contribute to sustainable funding models that ensure ongoing access to technology for these institutions.

    Another innovative approach involves the recycling and upcycling of technology. Instead of disposing of outdated devices, schools and libraries can explore programs that refurbish and repurpose technology. Technology trade-in partners can be a valuable resource and help schools put funds back into budgets to cover the cost of new technology purchases. They are able to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a school’s device inventory, taking into account the age, condition, and compatibility with the latest software to give a clear understanding of the potential value if upcycled. That means devices that still have useful life are refurbished and put into the hands of individuals and organizations who might not otherwise be able to afford the technology.

    Sustainability also is an important consideration and technology trade-in partners can develop sustainable technology plans for schools and libraires. These plans help organizations determine the right devices to purchase, when to sell them at the optimal point in their useful life, and how to reinvest those funds into new technology. The right decisions at each step in the process can put significant money back into budgets and keep the best technology in the hands of schools and libraires. Ensuring that the digital divide is closed, and students continue to elevate their education.

    Additionally, these initiatives also can be designed to engage students, teaching them about the importance of sustainability while providing hands-on experience in refurbishing electronic devices.

    The expiration of ECF funding poses a substantial threat to the strides made in narrowing the digital divide in underserved schools and libraries. It is imperative that stakeholders recognize the vital role technology plays in education and community development. Advocacy for continued funding and utilizing technology trade-in partners are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that these institutions continue to thrive in the digital age. By addressing these potential challenges head-on, we can work toward a future where all students, regardless of their economic background, have equal access to technology and educational opportunities.

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  • Rhode Island Commerce Initiates Digital Equity Survey to Bridge the Digital Divide

    Rhode Island Commerce Initiates Digital Equity Survey to Bridge the Digital Divide

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    The Survey Collects Important Information to Help Guide the State’s Digital Equity Planning Efforts


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., January 4, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The ConnectRI Digital Equity Survey aims to gather valuable feedback from Rhode Island residents about their digital opportunity needs and the barriers to obtaining affordable internet service, devices, and digital skills training. The digital divide impacts how marginalized Rhode Islanders access essential areas, such as education, healthcare, and access to government services. 

    The ConnectRI Digital Equity Survey aims to gather valuable feedback from Rhode Island residents about their digital opportunity needs and the barriers to obtaining affordable internet service, devices, and digital skills training. By collecting this information, RI Commerce aims to develop the Rhode Island State Digital Equity Plan, a roadmap for achieving reliable and affordable broadband access, device availability, digital skills training, and cybersecurity awareness for all state residents. 

    “In an increasingly digital world, access to high-speed and affordable broadband service is now more important than ever,” said Governor Dan McKee. “It’s critical that we take the steps now to help create a future where every Rhode Islander has the tools to thrive, creating a digitally inclusive society that will become a catalyst for economic prosperity.” 

    Rhode Island Commerce is responsible for implementing the Digital Equity Act program within the state, aligning with the federal government’s goals of universal access, affordability, and digital inclusion. The digital divide disproportionately affects various segments of the population, including English language learners, veterans, immigrants, adults over 60 years old, rural residents, individuals with disabilities, racial or ethnic minorities, and those living at or below the federal poverty level. 

    “Rhode Island’s economic growth is dependent on all people having the opportunity to thrive in this digital age,” said RI Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner. “Bridging the digital divide is an economic necessity, unlocking the full potential of a diverse and inclusive society that will propel Rhode Island towards a future where innovation, productivity, and prosperity have no limits.” 

    To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive digital equity plan that effectively addresses the needs of all Rhode Islanders, RI Commerce has created the ConnectRI Digital Equity Survey, available in both English and Spanish. The survey seeks to identify the digital opportunity barriers faced by households in Rhode Island, including challenges related to infrastructure, digital literacy, affordable service, and access to devices. 

    “President Biden ensured that digital equity was at the center of expanding high-speed internet access to everyone in America when he signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. “We need to hear directly from those who are most impacted by the systemic barriers that prevent some from fully utilizing the internet.”

    Rhode Island residents are encouraged to participate in the ConnectRI Digital Equity Survey and share their experiences with broadband internet accessibility, affordability, and adoption by visiting https://links.digitunity.org/ri-survey. The deadline for participation is Jan. 19, 2024. 

    Widespread input is essential to ensure that the State of Rhode Island develops a comprehensive and inclusive plan that effectively addresses the digital opportunity needs of all Rhode Islanders, focusing on those who may face greater challenges in accessing the internet. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of these diverse communities, we aim to create a digital equity plan that leaves no one behind and fosters equal access to essential digital resources. 

    For more information about the ConnectRI Digital Equity Survey and RI Commerce’s efforts to promote digital equity in Rhode Island, please visit https://connectri-ricom.hub.arcgis.com/pages/about. 

    About Rhode Island Commerce Corporation 

    Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RI Commerce) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting vibrant communities across the state. As part of its mission, RI Commerce is actively working to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Rhode Islanders have equal access to the digital resources necessary for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. 

    About Digitunity  

    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital equity by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Its mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about Digitunity’s work, please visit digitunity.org. 

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Groundbreaking Initiative Bridges the Digital Divide for K-12 Students in 10 U.S. Cities

    Groundbreaking Initiative Bridges the Digital Divide for K-12 Students in 10 U.S. Cities

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    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., December 5, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    A new impact report has been released by Digitunity, revealing the transformative success of a two-year, 10-city initiative to close the digital divide for K-12 students and their families. Led by Digitunity and funded as part of AT&T’s Connected Learning commitment to address the digital divide, the project drew upon and featured the work of 11 top-tier nonprofit technology refurbishing organizations. An effort to bridge what is known as the “homework gap” in the project’s 10 markets, this collaborative effort surpassed its two-year target within the very first year, culminating in twice the projected impact by its conclusion. 

    Key outcomes include: 

    • 41,597 devices comprising laptops, desktops, and tablets 
    • 2,171 Wi-Fi hotspots ensuring connectivity 
    • 26,571 students equipped with digital literacy training 
    • An estimated 2,633,110 pounds of e-waste diverted from landfills 

    The initiative, launched in August 2021, was designed to foster long-lasting relationships between private, public, and social sectors within each community. This involved activating local nonprofit technology refurbishing organizations within Digitunity’s practitioner network, alongside a wide and diverse range of local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The project sought to source, refurbish, and deploy free or extremely affordable devices to underserved K-12 students. Championing this cause in the 10-city initiative were the following organizations: 

    • Inspiredu in Atlanta, GA  
    • Mission Ignite in Buffalo, NY  
    • Compudopt in Dallas, TX  
    • Digital Bridge in Milwaukee, WI 
    • Electronic Access Foundation and Human I-T in New York, NY  
    • Computer Reach in Pittsburgh, PA 
    • Kramden Institute in Raleigh-Durham, NC  
    • Computers 2 Kids in San Diego, CA  
    • InterConnection in Seattle, WA  
    • Wilderness Technology Alliance in Washington, D.C. 

    In Atlanta, Nafeesah Burson, after receiving a computer from Inspiredu, enrolled in 100 hours of cybersecurity training and CompTIA certifications. Similarly, in the Bronx, New York, students empowered with personal laptops embarked upon job workforce programs, refining their resumes and exploring new job opportunities. 

    The “AT&T Pioneers” employee volunteer network also played an active role. They not only volunteered at local used electronic donation drives but also demonstrated practical environmental responsibility by upcycling t-shirts into pet toys and promoting “going green” through seedling distributions at some of this initiative’s computer collection events. 

    “We’ve always believed in the necessity of connectivity and device accessibility for success. Working alongside Digitunity, we’ve been able to place devices directly into the hands of those most in need,” stated Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. 

    With hundreds of devices also being extended to recently arrived Ukrainian refugee families in Seattle, the initiative’s reach is both deep and expansive. 

    Dr. Estelle-Marie Montgomery, Ph.D., Executive Director at the Faunteroy Center in the Washington, D.C., area, added, “Basic computer skills are now fundamental for connectivity across all generations.” 

    The alliances fostered by this project have paved the way for a brighter future, with stakeholders from various sectors coming together behind a unified cause. As the pages of this initiative’s success stories turn, they stand as a testament to the power of private, public, and social sector collaboration in creating lasting solutions to digital inequities. 

    To read more about the two-year project’s details and to learn more about the lives that were positively transformed, the summary report can be accessed at: https://links.digitunity.org/homework-gap-10-cities-download 

    About Digitunity 

    Digitunity is on a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. Owning a computer is essential for people to thrive in the modern economy. Yet, 36 million people in the United States don’t have a computer at home. Since the 1980s, Digitunity and its predecessor organization have advanced digital equity by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. To learn more about Digitunity’s work, please visit digitunity.org.  

    About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T 

    We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our company-wide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity, technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed more than $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities. 

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Inspiredu: Pioneering Digital Equity for All

    Inspiredu: Pioneering Digital Equity for All

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    ATLANTA, July 4, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    Inspiredu, an innovative, Georgia-based non-profit organization, is proud to announce its 3rd annual year as a leading advocate for digital equity. With a mission to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to technology for all individuals, Inspiredu aims to increase device ownership, digital literacy, and digital access by providing our communities’ most marginalized and vulnerable citizens with the resources and support they need in order to be competitive in pursuit of education and work preparedness.

    The timing of Inspiredu’s third anniversary comes on the heels of the recent announcement from the Biden-Harris administration for state allocations of $42.45 billion dedicated to a high-speed internet grant program as part of their Investing in America agenda. This groundbreaking bill has been compared to President Roosevelt’s historic Rural Electrification Act, which brought electricity to nearly every home in America. President Biden declared high-speed internet access as important as electricity or water and vowed that every home in America will be connected to reliable high-speed internet by 2030. 

    This significant investment underscores the urgent need for organizations like Inspiredu to address the digital divide, which became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the critical role of the Internet in education, healthcare, employment, financial well-being, and social connectivity. Millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved communities, lack reliable internet access, hindering their ability to participate fully in the digital age. Internet access is only one piece of the puzzle, however. Inspiredu provides the rest of the components needed for bridging the digital divide: devices, training, and access. Our approach of going into these underserved communities to provide devices to take home, training for using the devices, one year of free help desk support, and information about programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program to access the newly available broadband is absolutely crucial. Our program participants overwhelmingly agree. Inspiredu’s innovative approach to bridging the digital divide is what makes our program so successful.

    Led by CEO Richard Hicks, Inspiredu managed to serve over 3,000 Georgia families during the pandemic in its inaugural year of 2020. He and his team have also carried on a mission to keep the environment safe by diverting 5,297 laptops from Atlanta landfills in 2022 alone. Inspiredu is expanding to additional areas in Georgia and will continue efforts to achieve its mission.

    Inspiredu’s anniversary comes at a pivotal moment, as the nation recognizes the importance of digital equity in building a more inclusive society. By leveraging the momentum generated by President Biden’s $42.45 billion bill for internet access, Inspiredu is poised to continue making a significant impact in narrowing the digital divide and ensuring that no individual is left behind.

    For more information about Inspiredu, visit iuatl.org or contact fwilliams@iuatl.org

    Source: Inspiredu

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  • Avery Dennison Foundation Provides $10K Donation to Digitunity

    Avery Dennison Foundation Provides $10K Donation to Digitunity

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    The purpose of this contribution is to support efforts to increase device ownership, digital literacy, and digital inclusion while helping the environment.

    Press Release
    –

    Feb 8, 2023 08:00 EST


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., February 8, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization that connects people in need with donated computers, today announced that the Avery Dennison Foundation has provided a $10,000 donation to support the organization’s efforts to increase digital inclusion through device ownership.

    Since the mid-1980s, Digitunity, its predecessor organization, and community partners have placed hundreds of thousands of computers with people in need. Providing that technology is essential to helping people to succeed in school, participate in the economy, and improve their communities.

    “We’re thrilled to have an organization like the Avery Dennison Foundation join our mission to close the digital divide,” said Scot Henley, Executive Director of Digitunity. “With the help of this contribution, we’ll be able to elevate the issue, accelerate our efforts, and help more community-based organizations obtain the technology they need for their constituents.”

    Avery Dennison is a materials science and manufacturing company specialized in the design and manufacture of labeling and functional materials. Its foundation, the Avery Dennison Foundation, advances the causes of education, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. 

    With sustainability as one of its core values, the Avery Dennison Foundation’s contribution to Digitunity reflects this value by helping to keep e-waste out of the landfill while also encouraging others to donate to this environmentally-oriented organization. 

    According to the United Nations, in 2019, 53.6 million tons of e-waste were discarded. Digitunity sees this as an opportunity to help both people and the environment. An estimated 36 million people in the U.S. do not have a computer at home. Computer donation and reuse is a practical, environmentally-friendly solution for expanding device ownership.

    “Our support of Digitunity and their work to increase digital equity through the reuse of and equitable access to technology devices aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and social good,” said Janet Sandoval, Director of Global Corporate Social Responsibility at the Avery Dennison Foundation. “Such contributions are integral to investing in our employees, consumers, and community.” 

    By linking corporate and individual donors with partner organizations in its network, Digitunity places thousands of computers each year with individuals who need them for education, work, and daily living. This, in turn, provides computers that may have otherwise been discarded a second life and individuals with the technology they need. 

    Digitunity is in discussion with a number of leading businesses and other organizations to provide similar sponsorships and donations in the coming year. Please visit Digitunity.org to learn more about Digitunity and its corporate giving programs, including the Corporate Pledge to End the Digital Divide. 

    About Digitunity
    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, please visit Digitunity.org.

    About Avery Dennison
    Avery Dennison is a materials science and manufacturing company specialized in designing and manufacturing labeling and functional materials. Their expertise and global scale enable them to deliver innovative, sustainable, and intelligent solutions around the world. To learn more, please visit averydennison.com.

    About The Avery Dennison Foundation
    The Avery Dennison Foundation advances the causes of education, sustainability, and women’s empowerment in communities where Avery Dennison employees live and work. To learn more, please visit averydennison.com.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Digitunity to Participate in Patterson Foundation Workshop on Digital Access

    Digitunity to Participate in Patterson Foundation Workshop on Digital Access

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    The Digital Access and Devices workshop explores how to scale digital inclusion work domestically and internationally with corporate and nonprofit partners.

    Press Release
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    Jan 27, 2023 08:00 EST


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., January 27, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Owning a large-screen device, such as a computer or tablet, is the foundation of digital equity. Giving individuals and communities access to a steady supply of free or low-cost large-screen devices helps to close the digital divide. This idea drives the work of Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization with over 40 years of experience in advancing digital equity through device ownership.

    Because of this experience in increasing digital access through devices, Digitunity’s executive director Scot Henley has been invited to participate in a Funder-to-Funder Workshop hosted by The Patterson Foundation in partnership with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading entitled “Digital Access and Devices.” The purpose of this workshop is to explore ways in which philanthropy can support expanding device ownership.

    “By participating in the Patterson Foundation’s workshop, we hope to demonstrate to corporate and philanthropic funders that by working collaboratively, it is within our reach to develop a lasting solution that makes it possible for residents in need to obtain affordable computers,” Henley said.

    Digitunity’s mission is to close the digital divide. This is the challenge of 36 million Americans who do not have a computer at home and frequently reside in marginalized communities. These individuals often cannot access education, telehealth, and employment opportunities because they do not have a computer.

    The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address common aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing. The Foundation’s values guide its approach to philanthropy, demonstrating its collaborative philosophy and tenets of change.

    The Patterson Foundation’s Digital Access for All Initiative (DA4A) began with a multi-sector learning journey, exploring how thought leaders, government, businesses, and nonprofits operate and invest in digital access. After speaking to over 30 funders across the United States, the Foundation realized that funders struggle with decisions on how or whether to fund devices.

    This latest workshop, which will be held virtually on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 12:30 p.m. EST, will explore how to scale digital inclusion work domestically and internationally with corporate and nonprofit partners. Those interested in this workshop can register here. Along with Henley, other participants include: 

    While funders continue to invest in organizations that provide low to no-cost computers to those in need, the need for devices disproportionately outweighs resources available to people, organizations, and communities. This workshop will address this concern and explore how funders could be best served by investing in systemic solutions rather than transactional ones. 

    In today’s society, devices, like computers, have become essential to education, healthcare, civic engagement, economic development, and more. To learn more about the importance of device access for all, please visit Digitunity.org or download Digitunity’s report “The Importance of Large Screen Device Ownership” here.

    About Digitunity
    Digitunity connects corporate and individual donors of technology to thousands of partner organizations serving people in need across North America. With a proven body of work and a national network of member organizations, Digitunity works to ensure all barriers limiting equitable opportunity to participate in our digitally connected society are removed. To learn more, please visit digitunity.org.

    About The Patterson Foundation
    The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address common aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing. The Foundation’s values guide its approach to philanthropy, demonstrating its collaborative philosophy and tenets of change. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Digitunity Launches Video Series Examining the Digital Divide

    Digitunity Launches Video Series Examining the Digital Divide

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    “Pressing On: In Pursuit of Digital Equity” examines the effects of the technology gap on youth, older adults, veterans, and other marginalized people.

    Press Release
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    Jan 3, 2023 08:00 EST


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., January 3, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Over 36 million Americans don’t have a computer at home, which limits their access to education, healthcare, and other resources. Digitunity, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing digital equity through device ownership, has launched a YouTube series, “Pressing On: In Pursuit of Digital Equity”, that spotlights those affected by the digital divide and explores possible solutions.

    Digitunity connects donations of computers with people who need them through a nationwide network of community partners. The organization’s research and nearly four decades of experience show that the digital divide disproportionately affects lower-income individuals, older adults, rural communities, veterans, and military families. 

    “We’re presenting stories from across America of students trying to succeed in school, workers training for better jobs, patients connecting with their doctors, and the organizations working to get these individuals what they need,” said Scot Henley, Digitunity’s executive director. “Digitunity’s mission is to narrow the digital divide.” 

    In collaboration with its cornerstone partners, including Alliant Credit Union, AVID Products, Onepak, and CompTIA, Digitunity plans to release a new “Pressing On” video on its YouTube channel every Sunday evening through early 2023. In the opening video, Dennis Devine, president and CEO of Alliant Credit Union, outlines the “Corporate Benefits of Partnering with Digitunity.”

    Alliant is a not-for-profit financial cooperative and one of the nation’s largest credit unions. It was the first partner to sign Digitunity’s Corporate Pledge to End the Digital Divide. Devine notes that, this past year, more bank branches have closed in the U.S. than ever in the history of banking. This is why it is critical for everyone to have digital access to financial information. 

    “As a digital financial institution, we approach bridging the digital divide as a unique opportunity and make it part of our mission,” he says. “We understand the importance of equitable digital access, and therefore, we have committed our resources and our team’s talents to digital equity. Alliant also has a Foundation with the mission to enhance the communities we serve and support our digital equity efforts.”

    Digitunity’s “Pressing On” series covers topics including:

    • Digital Inclusion & Equity
    • Digital Literacy 
    • Workforce Development
    • Computer Access for People with Disabilities
    • Upward Mobility for Youth
    • Technology Access, Health, & Wellness for Older Adults
    • The Impact of Digital Inequity on Veterans

    Since Digitunity’s inception, hundreds of thousands of people have benefitted from its efforts. Its perspective has been shaped by decades of experience creating local impact through the benefit of a national lens. As an independent, national nonprofit focused on advancing digital equity through device ownership, Digitunity is unique in the digital inclusion landscape. 

    Having a connected computer and the skills to use it productively is a fundamental need. The issue of the digital divide persists across all boundaries. Digitunity remains committed to eliminating the technology gap so everyone can thrive in our digitally connected society. To learn more, please visit www.digitunity.org.

    About Digitunity
    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, visit www.digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Digitunity Report Identifies Need for Computers to Address Rural America’s Digital Divide

    Digitunity Report Identifies Need for Computers to Address Rural America’s Digital Divide

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    A new report examines the technology gap in rural areas and identifies ways communities can spur computer donations.

    Press Release
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    Dec 5, 2022 08:00 EST


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., December 5, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Rural areas in the U.S. struggle to provide residents with broadband internet access and the computers needed to maximize the benefits of online educational and economic resources. Digitunity, a non-profit organization committed to ending the digital divide, has released a commissioned report on the potential causes and solutions to the rural digital divide. 

    “We know the digital divide has few boundaries,” said Scot Henley, executive director of Digitunity. “It exists in large coastal cities and small towns in America’s heartland. It affects people across demographics. With this report, we now know more about why that divide exists and how communities can resolve it.”

    Areas with substantial internet access and usage typically have higher levels of economic and community development in comparison to those with lower levels of use. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in late 2021, dedicated an unprecedented amount of federal funding toward increasing broadband availability and adoption in less connected areas.

    Digitunity’s report, written by Oklahoma State University professor Brian E. Whitacre, discusses the direct correlation between internet access and rural economic development. It also looks in depth at the issue of device ownership, focusing on nationwide access and usage of large-screen devices recognized as superior to smartphones in the digital equity space. 

    The three major segments of the report, titled “Status Quo,” “Supply,” and “Support,” cover the socio-demographics impacted, as well as the supply chain processes and support networks working to resolve the digital divide rural communities face. The report’s findings align with Digitunity’s mission and focus on partnership networks. 

    “Since its inception, Digitunity has operated on the belief that community-based organizations are essential to ending the digital divide,” Henley said. “This report clearly defines the problems facing rural communities and how they can work with organizations like Digitunity to foster the solutions to those problems.”

    To learn more about Digitunity’s mission to eliminate the digital divide in both rural and urban communities, please visit digitunity.org.  

    About Digitunity
    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, please visit digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Digitunity Releases Methodology for Sustainable Device Ecosystems

    Digitunity Releases Methodology for Sustainable Device Ecosystems

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    Utilizing this framework, communities can ensure access to free and low-cost computers for residents impacted by the digital divide.

    Press Release
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    Nov 28, 2022 09:23 EST


    CONWAY, N.H., November 28, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization with over 40 years of experience in advancing digital equity through device ownership, has released new guidance for communities to ensure a sustainable supply of free or low-cost computers is available for residents in need.

    To thrive in the modern economy, everyone needs a connected computer. Device ownership is the heart of digital equity. It unlocks the vast opportunities provided by the internet, including education, employment, healthcare, commerce, communication, and civic engagement.

    Digitunity’s guidance, entitled “Methodology for a Sustainable Device Ecosystem,” describes the conditions communities must have in place to ensure marginalized residents have the ability to obtain a computer. They will release and discuss this guidance in a webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7. You can register for the webinar here.

    The need is widespread. According to Digitunity’s analysis of recent U.S. Census data, 36 million people in America do not own a computer. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act commits $65 billion toward eliminating the deep, persistent digital divide continuing to plague the U.S.

    This investment gives states and communities the opportunity to expand broadband infrastructure, connect disconnected residents, provide digital literacy training, and get free or low-cost computers to people who need them. As plans come together for expending these funds, devices cannot be an afterthought.

    “By releasing this framework, we hope to demonstrate to states, municipalities, coalitions, and community groups that by working collaboratively, it is within our reach to develop a lasting solution that makes it possible for residents in need to obtain affordable computers,” said Scot Henley, Executive Director of Digitunity.

    The guidance maps out several conditions communities must establish so residents have access to a reliable, robust supply of computers, along with connectivity, training, and additional support. It also describes specific considerations related to the devices themselves including how they are prepared, what their intended use might be, and how they can reach those most in need.

    “Using this federal investment to simply purchase computers would be a short-sighted answer and not the best use of this opportunity,” said Henley. “Now is the time for the corporate sector, government, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations to collaborate with communities on establishing new systems that can give residents access to devices, both today and in the future.”

    Through this guidance and additional publications to be released, Digitunity intends to leverage its unique body of work and independent, national lens to inform the field and provide communities with novel ideas about how to eliminate the digital divide. Digitunity is available to advise states, municipalities, and coalitions on program design and implementation. Learn more here.

    About Digitunity

    Digitunity connects corporate and individual donors of technology to thousands of partner organizations serving people in need across North America. With a proven body of work and a national network of member organizations, Digitunity works to ensure all barriers limiting equitable opportunity to participate in our digitally-connected society are removed. To learn more, visit digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

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