The Michelson 20MM Foundation has awarded a Spark Grant to the City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC) to tackle the digital divide. This grant will help address the critical need for better internet access and digital skills in one of San Diego’s most underserved communities.
The Digital Divide in City Heights
Addressing digital equity in City Heights is crucial for bridging the gap between those with and without reliable internet access. This community, characterized by its diverse and economically challenged residents, faces significant barriers to digital inclusion. The San Diego Association of Governments found that 16% of households in City Heights do not have broadband. Without equitable access to technology and digital literacy resources, individuals and families in the community are at a disadvantage in areas such as education, job opportunities, and social services.
By prioritizing digital equity, City Heights CDC will ensure that all residents have the tools and skills needed to participate fully in today’s increasingly digital world. This not only enhances individual opportunities but also strengthens the community as a whole, fostering economic development and social cohesion.
Innovative Community Solutions
The project is notable for its comprehensive approach. It aims to bridge the digital divide, improve internet access, and build long-term digital literacy within the community. The initiative will:
- Conduct workshops in multiple languages to educate residents about digital tools and internet use.
- Organize focus groups to gather input directly from the community, which will help identify specific digital needs and challenges faced by residents.
- Use advanced technology to conduct broadband speed tests across City Heights, revealing the quality of internet access in different areas.
- Collaborate with local organizations, such as Vecinos con Recursos and the City Heights Business Improvement District, to enhance outreach and ensure the project’s efforts are well-integrated with existing community resources.
- Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of current internet services and identify gaps.
“City Heights CDC’s project represents a significant step forward in addressing the digital inequity in San Diego County,” Cristal Mojica, Digital Equity Senior Program Manager said. “By integrating multilingual workshops, community partnerships, and advanced broadband technology, we are setting a new standard for comprehensive digital equity efforts that are community-driven and responsive to local needs.”
Scalability and Broader Impact
City Heights CDC’s work has the potential to expand beyond the community and throughout Southern California. In fact, the data collected will support advocacy for policy changes and resource allocation to improve broadband access broadly speaking. We look forward to sharing more in the year to come!
Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.
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