Through a Spark Grant, Human-I-T will expand their already successful digital navigator #include programs by empowering students to use their newfound digital skills to access telehealth services, education, social services, online banking, and other opportunities online.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act dedicates $65 billion to bridge the digital divide. During Connecting California, we explored opportunities by this historic investment to improve access for communities that have been digitally redlined for decades.

Although the majority of the Michelson 20MM Foundation’s work around open education (OE) is focused within California, we recognize that the movement is, in fact, global. For that reason, we are proud to sponsor the 2022 Open Education Global Conference!

California’s SB 156 was a historic investment in digital equity. Over the next year, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), a Michelson Spark Grantee, will research if the bill has been implemented equitably and will also seek to uncover scalable best practices.

At a time when access to the internet determines one’s ability to attend classes, complete homework, find and apply for jobs, apply for public assistance, and join telehealth visits, it is essential that we close the digital divide. Please join us in welcoming the 2022 Digital Equity Spark Grantees who will help do just that!

Recently, a historic investment was made to ensure that every American has access to reliable, high-speed internet. But what does all this mean, where has some of this money already gone, and how do we ensure that equity is at the forefront of how these dollars are spent?