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A Call for Digital Equity in Los Angeles: Experiences of a Student Fellow
Published Date
The Michelson 20MM Student Fellowship empowers students to lead change in higher education. In a 10-month program, fellows learn key advocacy skills, build projects that tackle student-identified challenges, and ultimately launch a student-led campaign. Digital Equity Fellow Francesca Romero authored a survey report that examines the consequences of the discontinuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program, champions the concept of public broadband for all, and urges Los Angeles to take action. Francesca shares more about her project, her experience with the fellowship, and her advice for future fellows.
What were you hoping to achieve during this fellowship?
I hoped to grow as an advocate for the communities I care about through work on housing and digital equity.
What did you enjoy the most about the fellowship?
I loved the freedom to shape my fellowship! At first, it felt intimidating to lead something on my own. Cristal and Marissa supported every step. Their guidance helped me to step into my own confidence as a leader. I used to be shy and hesitant to speak up. Now I feel confident sharing my voice in meetings or classrooms. I feel confident in my abilities as a leader.
What advice do you have for future fellows?
Say yes as often as you can. Be open to new people, projects, and possibilities! It can be scary, but taking the chance to pursue your passions is worth it. I have so many beautiful memories from my time during the fellowship and they were because I said yes more often. You’re a student, but your work can make a real difference.
How would you describe the impact of your project?
I believe my project made a real, positive impact in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Council passed a digital discrimination policy in 2024. Now, residents can identify and report discrimination in internet practices. It can be difficult to articulate these types of things, because most people don’t have the time to figure out their internet speeds vs. other neighborhoods’ speeds. I hope others build on my work to expand access. More research can support advocacy for municipally-owned broadband or reporting discrimination.
How has your experience with the fellowship and your project contributed to or helped inform your next career move?
The fellowship helped inform my career because I’m now open to working for a philanthropic organization in my legal career. Additionally, my interest in housing deepened through this experience. My project gave me fascinating insights into how redlining and housing discrimination feed into digital discrimination. People shouldn’t be cut off from important services because of their zip code. Despite that, digital discrimination is carried out against low-income neighborhoods, affecting their health, schooling, job, and resource outcomes. This work confirmed my passion for equity and justice.
To learn more about the Student Fellowship and apply, visit our website. We are accepting applications until May 6, 2025.
About Michelson 20MM
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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