Portland Launches Digital Equity Service Corps to Bridge Digital Divide
TL;DR
Selected organizations to receive up to $5,000 grant for digital literacy programs in 2024 DESC, gaining advantage in expanding community impact.
DESC fellows will undergo comprehensive training in program design, management, accessibility, adult education, and more to develop sustainable digital literacy programs.
The DESC aims to expand pathways for educational and workforce advancement, closing the digital divide and promoting inclusivity in under-resourced communities.
NTEN's Digital Inclusion Fellowship equips fellows with tools to establish sustainable digital literacy programs, building on a decade of insights and community trust.
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In a significant move to address digital inequity, the City of Portland, Comcast, and NTEN have announced the selection of five fellows for the 2024 Portland Digital Equity Service Corps (DESC). This initiative, supported by a $250,000 grant from the Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge, aims to launch and expand sustainable digital literacy programs in underserved communities.
The selected fellows, representing organizations deeply rooted in their communities, will each receive a grant of up to $5,000. These organizations include Latino Network, Hacienda CDC, Free Geek, African Refugee Immigrant Organization, and Rosewood Initiative. The fellows will undergo comprehensive training in program design, management, accessibility, and various other skills crucial for implementing effective digital inclusion programs.
This initiative is particularly important as it targets communities that face the most significant barriers to digital access. Rebecca Gibbons, City of Portland Digital Equity Manager, emphasized that Indigenous people, Black Americans, Latino Americans, low-income households, and people living with disabilities are among those facing the lowest rates of internet and device accessibility.
The Portland DESC builds on NTEN's decade-long experience with the Digital Inclusion Fellowship. Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN, highlighted the program's focus on empowering organizations that are already trusted within impacted communities to deliver critical digital literacy programs.
This effort is part of Comcast's Project UP, a $1 billion initiative aimed at advancing digital equity and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President for Comcast in the Pacific Northwest, expressed pride in supporting individuals passionate about bringing digital equity to communities.
The initiative's significance extends beyond immediate digital access. By equipping community members with digital skills, the program aims to promote economic mobility, enhance college and career readiness, and lay the foundation for generational wealth in under-resourced communities. This holistic approach to digital equity could have far-reaching implications for educational outcomes, workforce development, and overall community empowerment in Portland and potentially serve as a model for other cities facing similar digital divides.
Curated from News Direct
