Computer Ownership and Digital Skills: Stories of Opportunity in Mississippi and D.C.

In communities across the United States, there are significant disparities in computer ownership, and the systems for providing and delivering these resources require development. Urban and, particularly, rural areas suffer from a digital divide exacerbated by the lack of affordable large-screen computers and inadequate digital skills training.?

It is critical that data and resident feedback are available and utilized to develop targeted and effective solutions. Community anchor institutions, nonprofit organizations, and policymakers may struggle to create and implement initiatives that close the digital gap and promote digital equity in underserved areas when they don’t have a clear understanding of the barriers community members face. This disparity can be addressed by gathering insights from residents, collaborating with local partners, and developing innovative strategies to ensure access to devices, digital skills training, and support that are tailored to the needs of the community.

On May 18th, two impactful events to help close the digital divide and improve the digital skills of underserved communities were held and supported, in part, by AT&T and Digitunity. Both were facilitated through Digitunity's nationwide network of community-level practitioner organizations. The events stand out for their focus on resident leadership and fostering the adoption of digital literacy resources among those most affected by the digital divide.

“Access to the internet is just one part of the digital divide. Knowing how to use it effectively is just as important,” said Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. “This collaboration with Digitunity?will provide high-quality digital literacy and learning resources for parents, caregivers, and seniors in?Mississippi and Washington, D.C..”

Rural Solutions - Warren County, Mississippi:

The digital divide is especially acute and challenging in rural communities. The Mississippi Broadband Association (MSBA) is addressing this issue through its Connect and Literacy Program, which focuses on broadband affordability, digital literacy, and large-screen device ownership. Residents in Warren County have limited access to affordable large-screen devices and tech support, illustrating a very real digital divide.As part of a rural project in collaboration with AT&T, Digitunity worked with MSBA and local deployment partners to distribute 30 laptops in Warren County. The laptops were sourced from Computers 2 Kids, a nonprofit technology refurbisher.? Participants in the initiative received laptops for digital skills training and for focus group participation, marking progress and establishing a foundation for enhancing rural access to digital opportunities. In partnership with AT&T, we continue to work in Mississippi and other rural communities to address the digital divide.

"I plan to use this device and the digital literacy training class to get my GED!? I want to show my grandkids that it's never too late to find hope.? I plan to break generational poverty in my family by using what I’m learning in training on my new computer". -70-year-old participant, Warren County MS

Urban Approach - Washington, D.C.:

In the heart of the nation's capital, the Centri Tech Foundation, in partnership with The Black upStart and Martha's Table, hosted an AI for Entrepreneurs workshop. As part of this one-day immersion event, 33 residents from Ward 8 who face economic uncertainty were equipped with essential skills in AI and digital technologies, encouraging pathways to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Kezia Williams, Founder and CEO of The Black upStart, instructed participants aged 17 to 70+ how to navigate tools like ChatGPT+, Canva Pro, and Ideogram to create four digital products within seven hours. In addition to the training, participants received refurbished laptops to own and a one-month subscription to the AI software used during the workshop. The laptops were sourced from The Wilderness Technology Alliance and Human I-T, with support from AT&T.

Using partnerships between nationwide and community-based groups to close the digital gap is a powerful strategy. By collecting information and lessons from these programs, we can continue to build evidence-based strategies to replicate and scale effective approaches to improving digital equity across the country. As these efforts deliver access to digital tools, resources for building tech skills, and education, people and communities can unlock fresh possibilities for thriving in the modern, connected world.