LA/OCRBC Global Connect - Let's Tele - work, learn, health!

The Digital Divide is a real and serious gap that translates to lack of human and social services necessary for survival. Over the last year, the digital divide has become more apparent with the stay at home orders and the need for telehealth, telelearning and telework. These necessary connectivity points at home and in the workplace will not go away and equitable access is needed for all. A large part of the divide in digital access and adoption is the lack of knowledge around affordable broadband programs offered by internet service providers. These programs need to be highlighted and utilized.

The LA/OC Regional Broadband Consortia (LA/OCRBC) Global Connect program will train teachers and volunteers on how to discuss connectivity with students and provide them the necessary tools to reach success in school along with health at home. This digital literacy toolkit will include information on how to use devices, how to navigate applications and software and most importantly how to engage the family in these practices. Part of the training that the teachers and volunteers will receive is a comprehensive outline of all available programs that students can take home to discuss with their parents. This includes programs offered by nonprofits, the government and the internet service providers (private industry). By engaging the family, this program will comprehensively reach the community including older generations and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Teachers and volunteers will have the opportunity to share information through the students to parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family.

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

In a fully connected Los Angeles County, equity would finally be met and the opportunity for residents of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds will finally be given equal access to the most basic needs in the digital age: the chance to have success in a job (telework), access to top level medicine (telehealth) and the ability to learn (telelearning). No longer will some have a privilege over others and no longer will barriers exist for some to not be able to participate fully in their community. The opportunity for a Global Connection is endless and the ability to engage at home seamless. The closure of the digital divide also allows for greater civic participation in the local, state and national community. Family members of all ages and backgrounds can finally have a say in the larger conversation on social and fiscal policy issues. Empowerment through voice is the strongest tool a person can have.

We will measure success based off the number of teachers and volunteers trained, the number of students reached, the number of communities participating and family engagement.

Internet access