Portland Launches Digital Equity Service Corps to Bridge Digital Divide

In a significant move to address digital inequity, the City of Portland, NTEN, and Comcast have announced the selection of five fellows for the 2024 Portland Digital Equity Service Corps (DESC). This initiative, backed by a $250,000 grant from the Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge, aims to launch and expand sustainable digital literacy programs in underserved communities.

The selected fellows, representing diverse organizations deeply rooted in their communities, will each receive a grant of up to $5,000. The fellows are 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. These organizations focus on critical issues such as affordable housing, tech sustainability, digital access, and youth engagement.

The DESC program, administered by NTEN, will provide comprehensive support to the fellows, including training in program design and management, accessibility, adult education learning methods, impact evaluation, coalition building, leadership skills, and workforce development strategies. This holistic approach aims to equip the fellows with the necessary tools to establish sustainable digital literacy programs tailored to their communities' specific needs.

Rebecca Gibbons, City of Portland Digital Equity Manager, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, 'Tackling digital equity requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and a holistic approach to inclusive community access.' She highlighted that Indigenous people, Black Americans, Latino Americans, low-income households, and people living with disabilities face the most significant barriers to internet and device accessibility.

The program builds on a decade of insights from NTEN's Digital Inclusion Fellowship and aligns with Comcast's Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity. Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN, stressed the importance of empowering trusted community organizations to provide critical digital literacy programs.

This initiative is particularly crucial in addressing the digital divide, which has become increasingly apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on communities most affected by digital inequities, the DESC program aims to create pathways for educational and workforce advancement, potentially leading to improved economic mobility and generational wealth in under-resourced areas.

The impact of this program extends beyond individual skill development. By enhancing digital literacy and access, it has the potential to improve community members' ability to participate in the digital economy, access essential services, engage in online education, and connect with broader social and professional networks. This, in turn, could lead to increased job opportunities, better healthcare access, and improved civic engagement.

Moreover, the program's focus on sustainability ensures that the benefits of these digital literacy initiatives will continue to ripple through communities long after the initial fellowship period. By building capacity within local organizations, the DESC program is laying the groundwork for ongoing digital equity efforts that can adapt to evolving technological landscapes and community needs.

As cities across the United States grapple with similar digital equity challenges, Portland's DESC program could serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to bridge the digital divide. The collaboration between local government, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies demonstrates the power of multi-stakeholder approaches in addressing complex social issues.

The success of this program could potentially influence policy decisions at local and national levels, highlighting the importance of targeted investments in digital equity. As the digital economy continues to grow, initiatives like the Portland DESC will play a crucial role in ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to participate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.