The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) has prominently highlighted its efforts aimed at shrinking the digital divide during this year’s Digital Inclusion Week. The initiative, which took place between October 7 and 11, focused on increasing awareness and celebrating strides made in promoting digital access and skills, according to a recent announcement by the City of Philadelphia.
The OIT is celebrating a notable achievement after being awarded a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The grant is earmarked for establishing Digital Access Hubs in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Capitol Programs Office/Rebuild, which are set to be located at Happy Hollow and J. Finnegan Recreation Centers. These hubs are slated for significant enhancements that will ensure that both facilities are outfitted with cutting-edge digital resources.
In an effort to provide communities with the digital resources necessary for everyday activities, the grant funding will facilitate crucial upgrades such as the installation of gigabit fiber Wi-Fi and modernized electrical and HVAC systems at the aforementioned recreation centers. These upgrades aim to support an array of online activities for students and residents, from homework to telehealth appointments.
Alongside the physical upgrades, the new Digital Access Hubs will feature a variety of programming to bolster digital competency. Offerings include digital literacy efforts, STEM and coding workshops, job readiness support, and digital health workshops.
