Neighborhood Allies is excited to announce the addition of 35 laptop devices to our mobile digital skills classroom, thanks to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s (PBDA) Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP). These laptops will help increase access to digital skills training for residents across Allegheny County, especially in neighborhoods where affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption and technology use.
Our mobile digital skills classroom, launched in June 2024, provides free on-site digital skills classes at five trusted partner locations. By bringing the classroom directly to neighborhoods without existing digital training opportunities, we aim to eliminate barriers like transportation, lack of internet access, and limited device availability. The new laptops will ensure every student can learn and practice digital skills on reliable equipment.
The need for accessible digital skills training is more urgent than ever. Today, over 92% of jobs require computer and digital proficiency, yet nearly one-third of workers lack these basic skills. In Allegheny County, the labor force includes a growing number of older adults—a population that faces unique challenges in adapting to new technologies. Additionally, many underserved neighborhoods remain “digital skills deserts” where resources are scarce. Through our mobile classroom, we’re addressing these gaps by providing tailored training for older adults 50+, immigrants, refugees, and other residents seeking to build digital confidence.
Our goal is to empower participants to achieve their learning objectives, gain confidence in navigating digital tools, and fully participate in today’s digital economy. By partnering with anchor institutions and leveraging these new resources, we can continue making a lasting impact in communities throughout Allegheny County.
Thank you to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s (PBDA) Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP) for this generous donation!