Digital Inclusion

Description

Our digital inclusion work improves resident access to 3 critical pieces of achieving a high quality of life in the 21st century: computer literacy skills, computer ownership, and high speed internet. Most residents from under-resourced neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh region only have access to one or two of these pieces, and our job is to fill the void because everyone deserves to have the tools they need to learn, work, and live.

Listen Now! One Mic Stand: Itha Cao of Neighborhood Allies Interview by Jonathan Kersting December 20, 2023

Itha Cao, our Director of Digital Inclusion and Innovation, stepped up to the One Mic Stand to talk about Neighborhood Allies’ priority initiatives that improve resident access to the three critical pieces of achieving a high quality of life in the 21st century: computer literacy skills, computer ownership and high speed internet.

She details how the formal launch of Community Learning Centers in Homewood through Level Up 412 and the continuation of the Beyond the Laptops program will provide community members of all ages with the tools they deserve to learn, work and live.

Level Up 412

DESCRIPTION: Level Up 412 is a computer literacy initiative devoted to providing educational opportunities and coursework to those interested in careers in the tech industry. Created by Neighborhood Allies, funded by Verizon, we work in partnership with respected neighborhood partners.

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM: The goal of the program is to build two Digital Inclusion Centers in Homewood, where computer literacy and STEM classes will be centralized.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: Through our programming, we offer the tools, resources, and encouragement for all of our scholars to pursue fulfilling career opportunities in the growing tech industry.

HOW TO ENGAGE: Get started by completing a Career Assessment or click here for more information.

Beyond the Laptops

DESCRIPTION: When the Allegheny County COVID-19 lockdown began, community members called for help getting laptops to families who needed them for work and school. We responded by pivoting our newly launched Digital Inclusion program to address the lack of access. We worked with Computer Reach, the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Technology Council, and Pittsburgh Public Schools to refurbish and distribute 1,000 laptops to families impacted by the closure of public facilities and the ever-growing digital divide. From there, nearly 1200 computers were provided to families and students, $372,000 was raised for the cause, and we are seeking more ways to continue this program

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM: We aim to connect residents with local workforce opportunities and establish ongoing needs for digital skills and access to technology.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: Training, coaching on workforce skills relevant to the Pittsburgh job market.

HOW TO ENGAGE: Click here for more information on our Digital Inclusion Work, or connect with Itha Cao, our Director of Digital Inclusion & Innovation: itha@neighborhoodallies.org.