Background
In May of 2007 the Digital Divide Initiative began as a program under the Patchwork Quilt, a non-profit that operates out of the Church of St. Philip to serve their neighbors in the North Minneapolis community. At the program’s end in June of 2008, DDI had distributed over 375 computer systems to households and approximately 100 computers to non-profits and day care centers in the greater Twin Cities area. DDI also offered several training programs for youth and adults, families and staff, in the Technology Learning Center lab at the church during that time. Now DDI has moved to the University of Minnesota’s Office of Business & Community Economic Development (BCED). In January of 2010, DDI will be a program of the Business & Technology (B-Tech) Center, a part of the University Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) in North Minneapolis.
What is the Digital Divide?
In the US and around the world, there is a gap between those those who have access to and knowledge to use computers, the internet, and other communications technology. Technology access and education is a vital way for individuals, families and communities to expand their economic and educational opportunities. All people deserve to have the resources and ability to use computers at home, work, and school for education, job searching, finding information and resources, and connecting with their community and the world. Job postings and applications processes have moved online, 75% of all transactions between individuals and the government will soon be electronic, and 69% of jobs require technical skills. Computer users earn about 43% more than other workers while 35% of Minnesota households do not have computers and 44% are not connected to the internet.
The DDI promotes the idea of “digital equity”, particularly for traditionally underserved groups. Of Americans 60 and older, 26% have access to the internet and only 38% of people with disabilities have access. Race: Nationally, 70% of whites have access to the internet while only 57% of African Americans and 37% of Hispanic/Latinos have access. Income: While 80% of households with yearly income between $30,000 and $50,000 have access to the internet, 53% of households with yearly income less than $30,000 have access. Education: While 84% of people with some college education have access to the internet, 64% of those who only have a high school diploma and 40% of people who did not graduate from high school have access.
