ReportWire

Tag: digital inclusion

  • Digital Navigators and the Device Divide: Community Voices from Seven U.S. Cities

    Digital Navigators and the Device Divide: Community Voices from Seven U.S. Cities

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    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., July 24, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital equity has become an increasingly critical issue in the United States. To address this issue, Digital Navigators have emerged as vital figures in the pursuit of digital inclusion. These dedicated individuals undergo specialized training called digital navigation, equipping themselves with the skills to help their communities overcome barriers to digital access.

    Today, Digitunity has released an original research report titled “Digital Navigators and the Device Divide: Community Voices from Seven U.S. Cities.” The report, authored by leading digital inclusion expert Maribel Martinez of Maribel Martinez Consulting, delves into the experiences and insights of Digital Navigators in bridging the device divide. The study involved interviews with seven Digital Navigators from across the United States, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Virginia.

    One of the key findings from the study is the importance of matching the right device to each client from the outset, as emphasized by 50% of the participants. However, the report also highlights significant challenges faced by Digital Navigators, with 86% unable to procure devices for their clients through the Affordable Connectivity Program’s one-time device discount. Additionally, 43% described their experiences in sourcing large-screen devices for clients as unsuccessful, often recommending clients to visit large retailers for computer purchases. On the other hand, partnerships, collaboration, and pipelines emerged as recurring themes among the 57% of participants who found success in sourcing large-screen devices.

    Maribel Martinez, author of the report, commented, “Beyond robust, quality training and ongoing practitioner support, a Digital Navigator’s success is almost wholly dependent on the availability of quality large-screen computing devices, affordable broadband plans, and computer training resources they can source on behalf of the clients they serve. The aim of this research study was to better understand Digital Navigators’ experiences, shine a light on their challenges with procuring large-screen computing devices, and gather insights for how to improve the affordable device procurement process overall, in the hopes that the findings not only inform the complex problem of the widening device divide in the United States but catalyze lasting solutions so that everyone who needs a computer can obtain one.”

    Alongside the key findings mentioned earlier, the study provides valuable insights into various aspects of the digital navigation landscape. These additional findings shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by Digital Navigators and the communities they serve. For example, local partnerships and hyperlocal device ecosystems show promise in addressing these challenges. Additionally, empowering Digital Navigators with enhanced computer procurement resources will be instrumental in narrowing the digital divide and ensuring affordable and accessible large-screen devices for all.

    “As the prevalence of Digital Navigator programs increases, it is not a panacea for solving digital equity issues,” states Karisa Tashjian, Director of Programs for Digitunity. “Digital Navigators play a critical role, however, the required resources need to be in place when referring clients to applicable solutions. In the case of access to devices, it is clear that now is the time to ensure that sustainable device ecosystems are put in place or their referrals will be fruitless.”

    From the importance of tailored device matching to the impact of partnerships and collaboration, the report offers a comprehensive perspective on the intricate dynamics of digital inclusion efforts. It is clear that these findings, along with others uncovered in the study, reinforce the imperative for continued research, discussions, and investments to bridge the device divide. By exploring and acting upon these insights, we can work towards a future where digital equity is a reality for all.

    To gain in-depth knowledge of the research findings and engage in valuable discussion on this topic, Digitunity is hosting a webinar on August 2, 2023, at 2 p.m. Eastern, where Maribel Martinez will provide a comprehensive overview of the report. During the webinar, Martinez will explore the key findings in detail, present additional insights uncovered in the study, and share her expert analysis of the digital navigation landscape.

    Don’t miss this chance to dive deeper into this important research. Register now for this live webinar on August 2, 2023, by visiting https://links.digitunity.org/digital-navigators-webinar. Limited spots are available, so secure your place today.

    About Maribel Martinez Consulting

    Maribel Martinez Consulting, based in Miami, Florida, is a minority woman-owned small business consulting firm working at the intersection of equity and technology. The firm specializes in connecting people to digital spaces through digital equity planning and implementation, educational professional development and technology integration, and digital skills curricula and training for all ages.

    The firm’s principal, Maribel Martinez, brings over 25 years of experience in national digital inclusion leadership, nonprofit management, business development, K-12 education management, professional development and coaching, and technology education. For more information, visit https://www.maribelmartinezconsulting.com/

    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 is working to ensure all barriers that limit equitable opportunity to participate in our digitally-connected society are removed. Learn more at https://digitunity.org/

    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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  • 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)
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    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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