Internet is essential to modern life, yet 16% of Philadelphians still live without home high-speed internet connections. October 2-6th is national Digital Inclusion Week (DIW). With support from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), hundreds of companies, organizations, and individuals across the country participate in special events and campaigns to promote and increase digital equity in their communities.
The City and many local advocates work year-round to bridge the digital divide by connecting people to free and low-cost internet, devices, and digital skills support. We can’t do this work alone. There are many changemakers and organizations helping people get online.
During Digital Inclusion Week help amplify the importance of building connected communities.
Quick Ways to Get Involved:
- Last Chance! Have your voice heard by completing the PA Broadband Development Authority’s Broadband Connectivity and Digital Access Survey by Friday, Oct. 6. Respond online or by phone at 570-865-8185.
- Get help to fill out the PA Broadband Connectivity and Digital Access Survey at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Hot Spot during open hours, no registration required.
- Oct. 3 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (1939 W. Venango St.)
- The Beyond Literacy Learning Lab on Wheels bus will offer onsite digital navigation appointments and help completing the Broadband Connectivity and Digital Access Survey. Giveaways like free earbuds and flash drives will be available. Find them at the following times and locations:
- Oct. 2 from 12-4 p.m.: Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 2251 N. 54th Street
- Oct. 3 from 12-4 p.m.: Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave
- Oct. 4 from 12-4 p.m.: Beyond Literacy West, 229 N 63rd St
- Get help to fill out the PA Broadband Connectivity and Digital Access Survey at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Hot Spot during open hours, no registration required.
- Share messages on social media crafted by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
- Attend a local DIW event hosted by one of our partners (see list of all events below)
Attend the Annual Technology Learning Collaborative Conference:
Technology Learning Collaborative’s (TLC) 9th Annual Conference, Building Connections: Strengthening Our Digital Equity Community, will be held on Thursday October 5th at Temple University, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is still time to register online. Day of registration is also available.
The conference will include a keynote panel with national digital equity experts, interactive breakout sessions, and networking opportunities for anyone involved in the digital equity field in Philadelphia and beyond.
Refreshments and lunch are included with registration.
Sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
Find out if you are eligible for free or low-cost internet through the federal benefit by visiting www.getacp.org/phl or calling 2-1-1. Interested community members can also get help signing up for ACP and applying the program’s $30 per month credit to a home internet plan by attending a sign up event.
SEAMAAC
Oct. 2 from 1-5 p.m. — Wyss Wellness Center (1902 S. 8th St.)
Comcast & HopePHL
Oct. 4 from 3-5 p.m. — Hope PHL (325 N 39th St)
Attend a Local Tech Workshop or Class:
Digital Inclusion Week is a great time to brush up on your technology skills. Start with one of the classes below.
Free Library of Philadelphia:
Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more.
- Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. – Parkway Central Library (1901 Vine Street) – for intermediate learners
- Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. – South Philadelphia Library (1700 South Broad Street)
- Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. – Northeast Regional Library (2228 Cottman Avenue)
- Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. – Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (125 South 52nd Street) – call the branch at 215-685-7431 to be put on the waitlist
- Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. – Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Hot Spot (1939 W. Venango St.)
- Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. – Parkway Central Library (1901 Vine Street)
- Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. – Lillian Marrero Library (601 West Lehigh Avenue)
For more information, visit the Free Library’s program website, email AdultLearning@freelibrary.org or call 215-686-8664. No registration required.
Dornsife Center
Self-paced digital skills instructional classes. Instruction is customizable and can include the following topics:
- Essential Computer Skills (Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows, Mac OS)
- Essential Software Skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs)
- Daily Life Technology Skills (Social Media, Career Search Skills, etc.)
Location: 3509 Spring Garden St Philadelphia, PA 19104
Drop-In Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5-7 p.m.
Esperanza
- Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. at CareerLink – Shortcuts and Faster Navigation workshop
- Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. at Esperanza College – Budgeting with Google Sheets
- Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. at CareerLink – Atajos y navegacion mas rapida (en español)
- Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. at Esperanza College – Finanzas en Hojas de Cálculo de Google (en español)
Location: 4261 N 5th St.
Esperanza College workshops use the Bristol St. Entrance
CareerLink workshops use the 5th St. Entrance
Register for classes online or by phone: 215-297-4641
The Welcoming Center
The fall cycle of the 9-week English for Job Search class begins on Oct. 11. The class teaches digital skills and English language to support adult immigrants and refugees in their search for employment. A free laptop is available to any participant in the course who needs one. Digital skills covered include: Searching and applying for jobs online, writing professional emails, using Google Docs to create resumes and cover letters, and accessing supplemental language practice via EnGen, an online English language learning platform.
More info and application can be found online.
PCs for People
PCs for People is offering free virtual workshops to empower individuals with digital skills, bridging the digital divide one keystroke at a time.
For more information and class registration, please visit their website.
Adult Education, Office of Children and Families — City of Philadelphia
Visit Next Level Learning or call (833) 750-5627 to find more classes and workshops available to you.
Donate Your Device
Companies can help provide devices to families in need by recycling their old technology with PCs for People, ensuring that usable devices find new life in underserved areas through PHLDonateTech.
