Philadelphia – On Thursday, February 27th, the Office of Innovation and Technology gave away 50 laptops to low-income Philadelphia residents. In partnership with Resolve Philly and PCs for People, this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that Philadelphia residents can access essential technology for work, education, and daily life.
Held at New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) in the Kensington neighborhood, 50 eligible Philadelphia residents received a free laptop. With guidance from the City’s Digital Navigators, residents set up their new devices and learned essential cyber safety practices, ensuring they were well-equipped to protect themselves against potential cyber threats.
“Bridging the digital divide in Philadelphia is necessary to building a more connected city,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Events like this help to break down barriers and open new opportunities for education, employment and connection.”
“It is important that Philadelphia residents have access to the devices, skills, and tools that make living in a tech-forward world easier,” said Melissa A. Scott, Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia. “The Office of Innovation and Technology is excited to continue to invest in providing digital resources to residents across Philadelphia.”
“Without a laptop, I felt left out,” said Barry Jones, Philadelphia resident. “We [Philadelphia residents] have to come to these events so that we can transform as a community.”
This event is just one of the many ways the Office of Innovation and Technology is working to make digital access more inclusive in Philadelphia. By putting technology directly into the hands of those who need it, residents can stay connected, find new opportunities, and build their digital skills. In 2024 the Office of Innovation and Technology distributed 900 devices through the City’s Digital Navigator Network and digital inclusion programs. The Office of Innovation and Technology plans to continue hosting events like this and expanding its efforts to ensure that no one in the community is left behind when it comes to technology.
About NKCDC: NKCDC is a Philadelphia-based community organization focused on advancing social equity & economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for residents to live in, and actively shape, their neighborhoods of choice.
About Resolve Philly: We are committed to maximizing access to news and information for all, providing comprehensive coverage of the most critical issues impacting communities through collaborative reporting, and understanding the information needs of communities across Philadelphia to produce relevant and impactful stories.
About PCs for People: PCs for People is a national nonprofit social enterprise working to get low-cost quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income. By recycling and refurbishing computers, PCs for People provides a valuable service to businesses, families, and the planet by keeping computers out of landfills and repurposing them to advance digital inclusion.