‘Working as a Community and as a Movement’ to Advance Digital Equity in Philly

Brown: America's digital divide is not just a policy or infrastructure issue. But some would consider it a social justice matter, highlighting disparities in areas such as employment, healthcare, and education. Hello, I'm Dara Brown, and this is "Getting Connected", powered by Comcast Newsmakers. We're on location at the Net Inclusion 2024 Conference in Philadelphia. And joining me is Kate Rivera. She is the Executive Director of the Technology Learning Collaborative. Kate, thank you so much for being here.

Rivera: Thanks so much for having me.

Brown: How can this digital divide impact social issues?

Rivera: The digital divide really underpins so many of the issues that we face as a society. You know, it used to be that having a computer and having the internet at home was a nice to have, but we know that now it's a must have, especially the COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted for everyone that this is essential. And it provides individuals access to employment, to education, healthcare, and even social connection, you know. So, you know, just even a grandparent being able to talk to their grandchild across the country is the kind of important connections that the internet makes that we really shouldn't discount.

Brown: And how is Technology Learning Collaborative addressing these issues?

Rivera: So we're a little bit unique as an organization. We're a coalition. We don't provide any direct services ourselves, but we bring together all of the organizations and individuals who are working on this issue and working to make sure that people have internet at home and a computer, and that they have the tools and skills to use those things effectively to improve their lives. And we make sure that those individuals and organizations who are working on this issue are really equipped with the best practices and resources, that they connect with each other and collaborate. So that ultimately we're all working in a way that's aligned and effective and working as a community and as a movement to solve this issue.

Brown: And how is TLC looking forward? What's your next step?

Rivera: We're very excited that the federal government has made a historic investment in this digital equity work. And so we are working now with organizations here in Philadelphia and across the state to make sure that as these federal funds come into our communities. That they're going to be used as effectively as possible to support really great programs. And that they meet the needs of our communities so that, again, we can really make a real difference about this issue.

Brown: Kate Rivera with Technology Learning Collaborative, thank you so much for your time today.

Rivera: Thanks so much to you.

Brown: And thanks to you as well for watching. For more conversations about digital equity and broadband expansion, visit GettingConnected.com. I'm Dara Brown.