Support a Digital Equity Agenda

by Mitch Coopes, Government Relations Senior Specialist, Goodwill Industries International 

The digital skills gap and a lack of broadband access in many households across the country has left millions of Americans at a significant disadvantage in pursuing learning and employment opportunities. In 2019, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Pew Research Center survey demonstrated rates of internet adoption were lowest among older Americans, low-income individuals, those with a high school diploma or less, Black Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities, and people living in rural communities. U.S. Census Bureau data from that year also found that 36 million households do not subscribe to a wireline broadband service. The pandemic’s economic and public health effects have further expanded the nation’s digital divide.

Local Goodwill organizations are working to equip people with resilient basic and applied digital skills. The Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator helps to meet the needs of individuals across multiple skill levels, including digital awareness, basic keyboarding and applications, productivity tools, and advanced training with certifications for entry- and mid-level occupations in technology fields. While programs like the digital career accelerator can support learners by enhancing their digital literacy and skills, Goodwill is also working to advance policy solutions to promote digital equity.

This week, a bipartisan group of Senators reintroduced the Digital Equity Act, which seeks to close the digital divide by providing significant investments in digital inclusion activities. The key provisions of the Digital Equity Act include:

• Defining and codifying “Digital Equity” and “Digital Inclusion” for the first time in federal law.
• Supporting States in developing and implementing statewide Digital Equity Plans, with an emphasis on serving people with disabilities, low-income families, aging individuals, veterans, racial and ethnic minority groups, justice-involved individuals, and other vulnerable populations.
• Establishing a Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program to support digital inclusion initiatives, skills training, and other workforce development programs offered by local stakeholders, including community-based organizations.

Goodwill Industries International is proud to endorse this important legislation. Join us in this effort and ask your Senators to support the Digital Equity Act. Contact your Senators today!