Closing the digital divide is challenging work. Connecting the unconnected requires more than just boxes and wires; it requires tailor-made planning to meet the community’s needs. The City of Seattle’s Digital Equity team has been working to meet those needs for over 25 years. In the past few months, they have been busy.
In September, a team member presented to 60 international government delegates and participants at a meeting of the joint Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Digital Economy Steering Group, and Telecommunications and Information Working Group. This was part of a public-private dialogue on the topic of enhancing the inclusiveness of the internet and digital economy.
Also in September, the Rainier Beach Action Coalition hosted its 20th annual Back2School Bash, and it was a hit with the help of some members of our Digital Equity team and their families who volunteered at the event. They helped pack backpacks and insert school supplies along with information about how a family can enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Since this was a back-to-school event, resources were adapted to let families know they could be eligible for the program if they have a student(s) currently enrolled in the free-reduced lunch program. A total of 1,165 backpacks were given away to students.
In honor of Digital Inclusion Week, October 2-6, our Digital Equity staff members partnered with InterConnection, a non-profit organization that refurbishes computers to help connect underserved individuals to vital technology, to provide laptops to Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle. These laptops will be used by community members for digital skills training and later given to those who they identified as having financial constraints.
As Digital Inclusion Week continued, the Digital Equity team partnered with InterConnection by distributing laptops to two additional Digital Navigator organizations – Somali Community Services of Seattle and Villa Comunitaria. These organizations will 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.
To round out the month’s activities, the application period is open for the 2024 Digital Equity grants. Applications are being accepted through November 9, 2023. Learn more about the program, application process, and upcoming virtual information sessions by visiting our website. Join Digital Equity grant team members this Thursday, Nov. 2, 5-6 p.m. for the last virtual information session about the application process. Attending the virtual information session is not required to apply for a grant. If you’re interested in learning more, but can’t attend the virtual session, you can watch the recording of the last virtual session, as all the information shared is the same. Use the password JeYjRTG7 to access the video. Details to attend the virtual session are below.
The digital equity grant program, including the Technology Matching Fund and the Digital Navigator Grant, are part of the Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) Digital Equity Program. 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.
2024 Seattle Digital Equity Grants – Information Session #3
Thursday, November 2, 2023, 5-6 p.m.
Meeting number: 2493 446 8698
Password: gRx4EGgzU36
Join by video system
Dial 24934468698@seattle.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Join by phone
+1 (206) 207-1700 United States Toll (Seattle)
+1 (408) 418-9388 United States Toll
Access code: 249 344 68698