Seattle IT celebrates EchoX, a 2024 Technology Matching Fund (TMF) grant winner that is working to empower and amplify cultural communities through digital technologies and the power of story.
EchoX, a nonprofit organization in Seattle, was founded ten years ago to increase the online presence of cultural communities throughout Seattle and the broader region. The organization focuses on expanding digital access and literacy for BIPOC teens, providing free, culturally responsive, intersectional programs and services.
Earlier this year, EchoX was awarded a $30,000 TMF grant for its outreach to youth and young adults. The TMF funding helped the organization with three specific projects.
First, they redesigned their website into a user-friendly resource that connects communities in a multi-culturally rich way: www.echoX.org. Check it out—it’s beautiful!
Second was web development and coding workshops for high school students. The “How to Look Cool Online!” workshop helped high school students learn and explore digital storytelling through web design centered on their ethnic and cultural identities.
The third project was a story-gathering series for teens and young adults where participants learn the building blocks of collecting community stories that matter. The stories endeavor to dismantle disinformation and tell the real story about culture and communities.
“Providing this combination of training for students is an exciting process,” said Ann Wright, co-founder and executive director of EchoX. “We’re offering technology training to youth who might not gravitate or have access to the robotics club. For some students, building a website and learning coding, which then creates a platform to tell their identity and family story, is a super empowering experience.”
To learn more about Echox and their programs, visit www.echox.org.
Technology Matching Fund Grants are part of the City’s Digital Equity Program. TMF was established in 1997 to support the community’s efforts to close the digital divide and encourage a technology-healthy city. Over $5 million has been awarded since 1998. The fund continues the legacy of Bill Wright, a Central District community leader who embodied the program goals of creating digital equity and opportunities for all, and of using technology tools to engage residents, improve communications and strengthen communities.
The City of Seattle’s Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) oversees the City’s Digital Equity Program. To learn more about digital equity programs like the Technology Matching Fund Grant program and past winners, reduced-cost cable and internet opportunities, and other programs, visit www.seattle.gov/tech. Seattle IT is a trusted partner that provides secure, reliable, and complaint technologies, enabling the City to deliver equitable and responsive services to the public.