The City of Philadelphia now stands among the nation's leaders in promoting digital equity, having been named a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer by The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). According to an announcement on the city's official website, the Office of Innovation and Technology's Digital Equity unit has made significant strides toward closing the digital divide in the community.
This year, Philadelphia joins a select group of municipalities recognized for deeply integrating digital inclusion into their government operations as part of NDIA's honors. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said in a statement, “Closing the digital divide is an imperative step in creating economic opportunity and access to government resources for all Philadelphians.” Together with Chief Information Officer Melissa A. Scott and Broadband and Digital Inclusion Manager Juliet Fink-Yates, the city has rolled out initiatives including PHLConnectED, Digital Navigator Network, and plans for Digital Access Hubs at local recreation centers.
In a world where connectivity is crucial, the city's efforts affirm that affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training are fundamental to thriving in the modern landscape. The NDIA, an organization dedicated to advancing digital equity, has recognized these initiatives by naming 34 Visionary Trailblazers, a list now featuring Philadelphia.
"This recognition reflects the incredible leadership of Juliet Fink-Yates, Broadband and Digital Inclusion Manager for the Digital Equity unit, and the hard work of her entire team to create more digitally inclusive communities," Scott told phila.gov. Specific accomplishments include support for hundreds of residents gaining internet access and acquiring new devices, hosting a major conference for digital equity experts, and the allocation of laptops to community centers.
Looking forward, Philadelphia continues to set its sights on advancing digital inclusion. The Office of Innovation and Technology has secured a Biden-Harris Digital Equity Grant for $11.9 million, awarded grants through the Digital Literacy Alliance, and, hosted the Net Inclusion Conference 2024, among other milestones shared in a recent update.
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