Tech Empowerment Day (RECAP) - Delete The Divide

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In a world so intricately spurred by evolving tech innovation, those without reliable Internet access or technological resources face significant disadvantages. Limited access to the Internet, digital devices such as computers, and even the knowledge necessary to utilize new technology hinder individuals’ ability to pursue educational opportunities, find employment, access health-care services and engage in civic participation.

LA County held Delete the Divide at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for kids coming from all parts of the county. Getting technology to much needed communities is the goal, and everyone is excited for it! Stay tuned for our story. 🎥
•#la36 #wherearewenow #myofficefortheday pic.twitter.com/7V5Hqcdv4N
— LA36 (@LA36TV) 2023년 10월 4일

The Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD) estimates that approximately 265,000 households in the county do not have a home computer; 311,000 households only have Internet access through their cellphones; and some 416,000 households have no Internet access at all. As such, the county has invested more than $76 million into programs and grants, with the help of American Rescue Plan funds, to provide more equitable access to technology, the Internet and digital literacy initiatives.

Los Angeles County ISD Delete the Divide hosts 6,000 high school and middle students for Tech Empowerment Day 2023 at Los Angeles Coliseum on Oct. 4, 2023. (Mayra B. Vasquez/ Los Angeles County)

Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Supervisor Hilda Solis, and Selwyn Hollins, Director of the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD), deliver speeches at Tech Empowerment Day. Los Angeles County hosted the 2nd Annual Tech Empowerment Day on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. More than 100 schools from across the County, with 6,000 middle and high school students, participated in this dynamic one-day high-technology Expo, connecting them to educational experiences related to science, technology, engineering, and math. (Mayra B. Vasquez/ Los Angeles County)

Internal Services Department Director Selwyn Hollins said one of the programs spearheaded by the department is called the Delete the Divide (DTD) initiative, which is an umbrella program composed of several services, including internships and certifications. The DTD internship, also recognized by the state of California as a pre-apprenticeship program, kicked off late last year and currently over 200 interns are enrolled. Interns are allowed to explore the information technology industry and build the skill set and professional network needed to pursue a viable career in the IT field. No prior education or job experience is required to become an intern.

#LASD SEB Tactical Bomb Techs mentoring local youth at Tech Empowerment Day. The event was hosted by “Delete the Divide”, a group dedicated to promoting technology to youth throughout Los Angeles County. pic.twitter.com/Hc7xUWnh7D
— SEB (@SEBLASD) October 5, 2023

“Our only requirement is a passion for technology — in any space of technology — and for applicants to be at least 16 years of age,” Hollins said. “Interns can work up to 25 hours per week, and in the summer, 35 hours per week, receiving great networking opportunities while being exposed to hands-on work experience.” ISD has trained over 200 interns since last year. Another key program offered to bridge the digital divide in L.A. County focuses on professional IT certificates. “The certificate program, through Google and Meta, covers a variety of subject areas,” Hollins explained during the briefing. “There is no prior experience needed to take the courses and it requires about 100 hours to complete the self-paced curriculum. However, students have between 2 and 6 months to do so.”

Thank you @LACountyISD & @deletethedivide for inviting the #LACoFD team to join you for Tech Empowerment Day. Our ODEI Recruitment; IT; Fleet; & Homeland Security teams enjoyed meeting /youth to share the many career pathways & youth programs available in the #LACoFD. pic.twitter.com/Ywxi3Zmsxs
— LACoFD (@LACOFD) 2023년 10월 4일

Hollins added that individuals who complete the required coursework and acquire their certificate usually qualify for jobs that start in the $50,000- to $60,000-per-year pay range.
“When you have over a million households that only earn $50,000 a year in L.A. County, in 6 months, an individual can acquire a certificate and potentially change the financial situation for their families,” Hollins said. “And we offer this program free for individuals who are in underserved communities that are impacted by the digital divide.”

Had a great time at the Tech Empowerment Day where students across Los Angeles County got to experience an immersive, science, technology, engineering & math filled day! ‍‍‍ We are proud to partner with the County to advance digital equity in our community.#DeleteTheDivide pic.twitter.com/oEwdGkFw8E
— Los Angeles County Office of Education (@LosAngelesCOE) 2023년 10월 4일

Some of our Rams attended the 2023 Tech Empowerment Day at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Thank you to @LBUSDEngage for the opportunity! #proudtobelbusd pic.twitter.com/yVDEkN8hS1
— Edward Steinhauser (@MrSteinhauser) October 5, 2023

One additional resource being used heavily to narrow the digital divide in the county and across the nation is the 저렴한 연결 프로그램 (ACP), a federal initiative aimed at helping low-income households afford high-speed Internet connections through a $30 monthly federal subsidy. The county leads the nation in the number of individuals enrolled in the ACP, according to Hollins, who noted that of the 1.6 million eligible households, 700,000 households were already enrolled.

“Although we’ve made progress, there’s still work to do to get the word out about this great resource,” Hollins said. “For some communities, deciding on an Internet bill has to be compared to paying rent or buying food, and when you need employment, education or telehealth, it’s very important to have Internet access and support.” Department of Parks and Recreation Director Norma Edith García-Gonzalez said parks have also played a critical and evolving role in providing digital services in recent years.

Our Olympians were able to attend the Los Angeles Tech Empowerment Day! Students are able to experience demonstrations from Google, Microsoft and other tech giants! #itsagreatdaytobeanolympian @BassettUSD @AllejandAlvarez pic.twitter.com/vqVWNpXEmc
— Dr. Elizabeth Maldonado (@DrMaldonadoBHS) 2023년 10월 4일

There are currently 73 county park locations that offer free Wi-Fi to visitors, and the Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with ISD to uncover even more ways to expand Wi-Fi accessibility in underserved communities. “As more workers, especially our young workers, access telework, they may not have all the resources or the appropriate environment to be able to do telework, so what we’re starting to see at our parks, is a usage of teleworkers accessing the Wi-Fi that we offer,” García-Gonzalez said. “People that might not want to or can’t work from home, go to the park, open up a laptop and spend various hours at our park for that purpose, making the critical importance of having Wi-Fi accessibility and connectivity at parks crucial.”