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Bridging the Digital Divide
TAFI is a veteran-owned, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to closing the digital divide and fostering employment opportunities in the tech and creative industries for disabled veterans and underserved communities. Our mission is to provide access to essential technology, education, and vocational training, empowering individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency and meaningful careers in today's digital economy.
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What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Access to tech and creative industry employment
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
The digital divide disproportionately affects disabled veterans and underserved communities, limiting their access to technology and the skills needed to secure employment in the tech and creative industries. This gap exacerbates social and economic inequalities, leaving many without the tools necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving job market.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
1. Provide Access to Technology: Distribute laptops, tablets, and other necessary digital tools to disabled veterans and individuals in underserved communities.
2. Digital Literacy and Skills Training: Offer comprehensive training programs covering basic digital literacy, advanced tech skills, and creative industry competencies.
3. Career Development Support: Facilitate mentorship programs, resume building workshops, and job placement assistance to ensure successful transitions into tech and creative roles.
4. Community Engagement and Outreach: Conduct community workshops and partnership programs to raise awareness and build supportive networks.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If TAFI's work is successful, Los Angeles County will see transformative changes that significantly improve the lives of disabled veterans and underserved communities. Enhanced Digital Inclusion
Bridging the Digital Divide: Increased access to digital resources and technology for underserved communities will ensure that everyone has the tools necessary to participate in the digital economy. This includes affordable internet access, computers, and digital literacy training.
Digital Literacy and Skills Training: Educational programs will provide individuals with the essential digital skills needed to thrive in today's tech-driven world, from basic computer use to advanced technical skills.
Employment and Economic Growth
Sustainable Employment Opportunities: By creating pathways to sustainable employment in the tech and creative industries, TAFI will help individuals secure well-paying jobs. This will not only improve their quality of life but also contribute to the local economy.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
Success Metrics For an early-stage project like TAFI, defining and measuring success involves setting clear, measurable outcomes. These can be divided into short-term, intermediate, and long-term metrics: Short-term Metrics: Access to Technology: Number of individuals provided with essential technology (e.g., computers, software). Number of tech support sessions conducted. Education and Training: Number of training sessions/workshops conducted. Number of participants in each training program. Participant attendance and completion rates. Intermediate Metrics: Skill Development: Pre- and post-training assessments to measure skills gained. Number of participants who receive certifications in tech-related fields. Training and Attendance Records: Maintain detailed records of participation in training sessions and workshops.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 1,000.0
Indirect Impact: 2,000.0