In a significant move to address digital inequities, the City of Portland, Comcast, and NTEN have announced the selection of five fellows for the 2024 Portland Digital Equity Service Corps (DESC). This initiative, supported by a $250,000 grant from the Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge, aims to launch and expand sustainable digital literacy programs within various community organizations.
The selected fellows, representing diverse organizations deeply rooted in their communities, include Marina Alvarez from Latino Network, Isa Alvarez from Hacienda CDC, Jeremy Gomez from Free Geek, Rukia Aweys Mohamed from African Refugee Immigrant Organization, and Fabiola Sanchez from Rosewood Initiative. Each fellow will receive a grant of up to $5,000 to implement digital literacy programs tailored to their organization’s mission and community needs.
This program is particularly crucial in addressing the digital divide that disproportionately affects Indigenous people, Black Americans, Latino Americans, low-income households, and individuals with disabilities. Rebecca Gibbons, City of Portland Digital Equity Manager, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and a holistic approach to inclusive community access in tackling digital equity issues.
The Portland DESC, modeled after NTEN’s decade-long Digital Inclusion Fellowship, will provide comprehensive support to the fellows. This includes training in program design and management, accessibility, adult education learning methods, impact evaluation, coalition building, leadership skills, and workforce development strategies. The goal is to equip these individuals with the necessary tools to establish sustainable digital literacy programs in both rural and urban communities most affected by digital inequities.
Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN, highlighted the significance of this approach, stating, ‘We believe that the organizations best positioned to provide critical digital literacy programs are those that are already in and trusted by impacted communities.’ This strategy aims to build the skills, confidence, and effectiveness of the fellows in delivering innovative and sustainable digital literacy programs.
The initiative is part of Comcast’s Project UP, a comprehensive $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and create opportunities for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators. Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President for Comcast in the Pacific Northwest, expressed pride in partnering with NTEN and the city to support this group of passionate individuals dedicated to bringing digital equity to communities.
This program aligns with the City of Portland’s Digital Equity Strategic Initiatives Program, which focuses on developing just and equitable strategies to achieve digital access and adoption for all. The collaboration between the city, NTEN, and Comcast exemplifies a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the complex issue of digital equity.
The launch of the Portland Digital Equity Service Corps represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in the region. By focusing on community-based organizations and providing targeted support, this initiative has the potential to create lasting impact in underserved communities. As digital skills become increasingly crucial for educational and economic opportunities, programs like this play a vital role in ensuring that all members of society can participate fully in the digital economy.
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