Members of InterConnection, Seattle’s Digital Equity Team, and the Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle hold newly refurbished laptops donated to the Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle. In honor of Digital Inclusion Week, October 2-6, City of Seattle Digital Equity staff members partnered with InterConnection, a non-profit organization that refurbishes computers to help connect underserved individuals to vital technology, to give Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle laptops. These laptops will be used by community members for digital skills training and later given to those who they identified as having financial constraints.
“Sometimes the only thing preventing someone from getting online is a working laptop. We’re really excited to be able to increase the supply of much-needed devices and to get them in the hands of community members through this partnership with InterConnection, Eritrean Association of Greater Seattle, Somali Community Services of Seattle, and Villa Comunitaria,” said Jon Morrison Winters, Seattle’s Digital Equity Program and Broadband Manager.
As Digital Inclusion Week continues, the Digital Equity team will continue its partnership with InterConnection by distributing laptops to two additional Digital Navigator organizations – Somali Community Services of Seattle and Villa Comunitaria. These organizations plan to use the devices to create capacity for additional activities, classes, and programs, giving more individuals access to technology and programs that otherwise might be out of reach.
Seattle’s work on bridging the digital divide expands beyond the first week of October. A recent report shows the impact of several years of the City’s Digital Grants program and the impact they have on the community. This report is highlighted in a recent Tech Talk Blog post outlining some of the key takeaways from City’s Digital Equity program.
Currently, the application period is open for the 2024 Digital Equity grants. Applications are being accepted now through November 9, 2023. Learn more about the program, application process and upcoming virtual information sessions by visiting our website.
The City of Seattle’s Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) oversees the City’s Digital Equity Program. To learn more about the grant program, reduced-cost internet opportunities, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and other opportunities, visit seattle.gov/tech. Seattle IT is a trusted partner that provides secure, reliable, and compliant technologies, enabling the City to deliver equitable and responsive services to the public.