In December, we will host a pitch competition awarding one nonprofit $50K toward building digital literacy programming. The “digital divide" refers to the growing gap between members of society, who have and those who do not have access to computers or the internet. Locally, there are many community partners and others who are working to test ways to make in-home internet access affordable and rel
iable in our community. Often, the solution to the digital divide focuses on ensuring greater access to devices, decreasing barriers of internet costs, and increasing digital infrastructure. These are great first steps. However, the next critical step is ensuring residents have the skills to use these digital tools and the internet in ways that can improve their lives. Our goal is to increase educational outcomes for students and build support toward achieving community-wide digital literacy. We desire to prepare all members of our community for the future. With this goal in mind, we will host a pitch competition in late 2021 for nonprofit organizations to provide digital literacy programming in our focus area of Columbus City Schools Region 2 – East/Far East/Southeast Columbus. The winning nonprofit will receive $50,000 for up to two years of support to begin or expand digital literacy programming in our target area. To support the pitch competition award funds, please donate to the Columbus Foundation's Emergency Response Fund - Digital Equity Fund and indicate your contribution is being given on behalf of "Future 50 project." https://columbusfoundation.org/the-giving-store/fund-directory-listing/EmergencyResponseFund-DigitalEquity/4091
Future 50 Digital Divide Group Members: Tasha Booker, Elon Simms, Michelle Moskowitz Brown, Mallory Donaldson, Courtney Falato, Kristen Harris, Wil James, Megumi Robinson, Theresa Saelim, Dan Sharpe, Randal Sistrunk, Brian Suiter, Dante Washington
