Digital Equity

To hire a Digital Navigator who will provide individualized, as well as group instruction, and language specific assistance to close the digital divide among Philadelphia's African and Caribbean immigrant and refugee communities. 2021 Digital Equity Fund recipient.

The 2021 Digital Equity Fund grant will support the investment in digital community organizing to advocate, host training, and help hundreds of low to moderate-income and limited digital proficient African/Caribbean immigrant families obtain affordable and stable internet services and digital skills.

To install NERDiT Kiosks in community centers in Philadelphia which will provide: affordable device repair and tech support via phone/video to individuals living in communities with less tech access; donations of 100 computers per year for each kiosk to individuals and families who need them; and a place to easily recycle old tech helping the community and city move toward zero e-waste. The 2021 Digital Equity grant will also support a Philadelphia-based NERDiT Cares workforce apprenticeship to develop the certifications, skills, and experience for 10 participants that will prepare them for well-paying tech careers.

To build community-owned/operated internet infrastructures that will democratize access, promote digital literacy, and fight digital inequity with free, net-neutral broadband service in North Philadelphia. This is a two-year grant. Recipient of the 2021 Digital Equity Fund grant.

This one-year grant will support an assessment of 2,500 residents to understand the number of households currently without internet or relying on unstable, low bandwidth options, as a way to benchmark the city's progress towards closing the digital divide.