Digital Bridge Program Supports Unemployed Seattleites through Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has left over 14 million Americans without work, and this job loss is disproportionately affecting people of color, immigrants, and those who lack stable housing.
Based on the latest data provided in 2018 by the City of Seattle, 25% of households earning less than $50k per year do not have internet access at home. The closure of technology resource centers has only exacerbated the effects of the digital divide. Without home internet access, it is nearly impossible to access COVID-19 relief resources or apply for jobs.
Digital Bridge Pilot Program Developed
InterConnection is proud to have participated in the Digital Bridge Program, a pilot program initiated by the Seattle City Office of Economic Development , in partnership with Community Impact & External Affairs Comcast Washington (Comcast), and Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) to help marginalized low-income individuals access technology, low cost internet, career connections, and job skills training. The program provides free technology to unemployed adults who have enrolled in Seattle Jobs Initiative’s workforce development programs.
When the program launched in July, Comcast donated $50,000 to cover the cost to provide 200 refurbished laptops to participants in the program. Recipients identified by SJI received InterConnection laptops with a software package developed and installed by our staff that included links to job search databases.
Providing access to technology is the first obstacle to overcoming the economic barriers created by digital inequities. Without the skills required to use the technology provided, many will still face barriers to employment. To combat this, Goodwill Industries provided digital literacy training to participants who required additional help adopting technology to find and apply for jobs.
Free Technology Provided to Unemployed Individuals
Seattle Office of Economic Development Director, Bobby Lee, explained, the Digital Bridge Program
“… is prioritizing its resources for low-income earning individuals, and BIPOC individuals who lack an internet connection and access to the technology and digital skills necessary to obtain gainful employment in our economy.”
Since the pilot’s launch, the 200 computers paid for by Comcast have been provided to unemployed individuals. SJI has also purchased 100 hotspots from InterConnection’s low-cost technology store, Connect All, for use by their workshop participants needing mobile internet access. Mobile hotspots are convenient & affordable resources for housing insecure individuals, as well as those who can no longer access the internet at community centers, libraries, or schools.
Cheryl Roe, President of InterConnection, notes that there are three aspects to digital equity: access to a device, internet connection, and digital literacy skills. She stated, “Providing low-cost, high-quality computers is only one piece of the solution, the user needs a reliable internet connection, and the basic skills to use their device.”
Program outcomes will be tracked and provided by SJI, employment status updates will help measure the Digital Bridge Program’s initial efficacy.