The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) had an exciting Digital Inclusion Week (Oct. 7-11th). The week-long campaign brings awareness to and recognition of the digital divide, and celebrates the work being done by organizations, municipalities, and individuals across the country. This year the City’s Digital Equity Team participated in special events, spoke at several conferences, distributed computers, and more.
The Office of Innovation and Technology wins $2M from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.
Through the ARPA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities grant funding, the City will create Digital Access Hubs at Happy Hollow and J. Finnegan Recreation Centers. This collaborative project with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Capitol Programs Office/Rebuild will significantly update each facility, including capital investments such as upgrades to building electrical systems and HVAC systems, and the installation of gigabit fiber Wi-Fi throughout the building and creating a 21st Century Computer lab. The installation of fiber and updated computer lab, amongst other upgrades, will allow students and residents to complete homework, apply for benefits or jobs, take telehealth appointments, look for housing, and more.
Additionally, these facilities will be able to offer a variety of digital skills programming including but not limited to: digital literacy classes and workshops, STEM and coding programs, job readiness workshops, digital navigation services, and workshops on digital health. Ensuring every recreation center can offer these programs is a key part of the City’s strategy to close the digital divide.
The City of Philadelphia’s Digital Equity Team Distributed Free Laptops
The City funds low-cost and free devices through its partnership with PCs for People. On October 11th, the Digital Equity Team joined one of its funded Digital Navigator organizations, Beyond Literacy, to distribute laptops to residents. Beyond Literacy hosted a series of six city-funded device giveaways across the City, some with their Mobile Learning Lab onsite. Residents were able to receive a laptop, onsite tech support, and chat with Digital Navigators about low-cost internet and free digital literacy classes.
Residents can dial 2-1-1 to speak to a Digital Navigator who can help find a low-cost device that meets your needs. Or visit the PCs for People storefront at 2251 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19132.
Digital Equity Team brings expertise to panels and events during the week
On October 10th, local organization and partner Technology Learning Collaborative (TLC) hosted their Annual Conference, “Creating a Sustainable Digital Equity Movement”. They invited over 100 leaders, organizations, and advocates to share and discuss all things “digital equity”.
- Monica Quinones-Rivera, OIT’s Digital Access Program Manager spoke on the panel “Digital Navigation with the Southeast PA Digital Navigator Network” about Philadelphia’s Digital Navigator Network, one of the first in the nation, launched in 2020.
- Juliet Fink Yates, Broadband and Digital Inclusion Manager, closed out the conference with a discussion with the PA Broadband Development Authority on “Connecting the Dots: Aligned City and State Plans for Digital Equity” discussing how the city and state plans for digital equity align to ensure residents have access to internet, devices, and digital skills programs.
The following day, Juliet Fink Yates spoke at Broadband Nation Expo on a Leaders Roundtable: Driving Digital Equity through Urban Connectivity” to discuss how the City of Philadelphia is working through digital inequities through innovative digital inclusion programs.
Digital Inclusion Week is only a week, but it’s a special opportunity to share the work the City of Philadelphia does all year round to connect residents to low-cost internet, devices, and Digital Navigator support.
