CREATEDelete The Divide
The Delete The Divide (DTD) Initiative closes the digital divide and has addressed many facets of the digital divide, advancing digital equity in underserved communities through workforce development partnerships, device ownership, digital literacy training, small business sustainability, and more; impacted communities are geographic areas within the County of Los Angeles where 20.1% to 100% of households lack internet access or a home computer.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Access to tech and creative industry employment
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)
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?
We are addressing digital inequality in underserved communities that lack resources and are low-income. Los Angeles County is the most populous County in the nation with:
· 3,390,254 total population
· $44,319 total per capita income
· 9,663,345 total households.
Los Angeles County is experiencing a digital divide, with:
· 278,250 households lacking internet subscriptions
· 132,985 households lacking computer devices
These digital inequities disproportionately impact:
· Lower-income households
· Communities that are predominantly Latino, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
· Communities with lower educational attainment
· Older adults (ages 65 years and above)
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
Our programs advance digital equity in underserved communities through partnerships, infrastructure investments, and technology resources that empower residents and small businesses in Los Angeles County. Our program offers free:
· Learn Basic Tech Courses
· Small Business Digital Marketing Services
· Professional IT Career Certificate Courses
· Paid Internships to help residents explore opportunities in computer and information technology industries and prepare them with the skills and networks to pursue a career in the IT field.
Since its launch, hosting events and workshops has made a measurable impact on our communities. However, as we strive for greater community inclusion and stakeholder engagement, there is a clear need to expand our marketing efforts.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
Our program services underserved LA County communities by providing members with free Learn Basic Tech (LBT) digital skills courses and a free laptop (if they meet eligibility requirements), tools that assist them to apply for jobs, attend online courses, zoom with their physicians, pay bills online, connect with children’s teachers, register to vote, and join online community meetings where they can have a seat at the table.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 7,500
Indirect Impact: 500