PHILADELPHIA. — Today the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology was approved and recommended to receive access to $11.9 million from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Innovation Administration (NTIA) to support the continued mission of creating a more digitally inclusive city.
This funding is part of President Biden’s $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, a three-part digital equity program authorized by the “Digital Equity Act”. Whether internet access, new devices, or digital skills, Philadelphians need resources to prepare for the digital future. The City of Philadelphia will use the funding to take the next steps in transforming the relationships residents have with technology.
“The Parker Administration is steadfast in the vision of providing a more interconnected government through technology and innovation,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The work of the Office of Innovation and Technology’s Digital Equity Unit to collaborate with four government offices and 18 local non-profits and universities is a testament to the power of connection through innovation in the City of Philadelphia. We know access to technology is essential for residents to access government services, healthcare, and economic stability.”
“This funding supports the need to scale our efforts in combating digital equity among Philadelphia residents,” said Melissa A. Scott, Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia. “The Office of Innovation and Technology is taking bold and community-driven steps to achieve digital equity because it will continue to empower Philadelphians to pursue opportunities in education, employment and beyond.”
In collaboration with 18 local non-profits and universities, the Office of Innovation and Technology will work cross-departmentally with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Mayor’s Office of Education, Adult Education to allocate the $11,900,000 in funding to combat digital equity by:
- Connecting thousands of residents in need with free or low-cost internet and devices
- Increasing digital resiliency by providing gateway and intermediate digital skills programming to thousands of Philadelphians
- Activating hundreds of volunteers in communities to share resources and support digital skills training
- Building eSports and Digital Access Centers across the city to prepare youth and adults for a workforce with rapidly changing required skills.
Awards will be issued following budget review and processing.
About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.
About the Office of Innovation and Technology Digital Equity Unit
The Office of Innovation and Technology Digital Equity unit focuses on bridging the digital divide in Philadelphia. The City has a plan to achieve digital equity and has started by providing every resident with access to reliable internet, devices and the digital skills needed to use these tools through key programmatic initiatives, including PHLConnectED, Digital Literacy Alliance, Adult Education, and PHLDonateTech.
