How a Sarasota-based organization is helping people with internet access and literacy

Florida’s Efforts to Improve Internet Access in Underserved Communities

Florida continues to invest millions of dollars in federal funds to improve internet infrastructure in communities that lack strong connectivity. However, accessibility remains a challenge for many residents.

The Patterson Foundation’s Digital Access for All Initiative

The Patterson Foundation’s Digital Access for All Initiative, led by Cheri Coryea, aims to address this issue by providing access, equipment, and skills training to underserved areas. The initiative was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of schools. In June 2020, extensive research was conducted to assess the availability of tools, devices, and laptops for ALICE families (asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed) in the community. The concern was that children’s learning would be negatively impacted without these resources.

Addressing the Gaps in Internet Access

Despite the ongoing efforts, there are still significant gaps in internet access in certain communities. These gaps exist in both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, some residents are unaware of the available internet options or face financial constraints that prevent them from accessing it. In rural areas, such as DeSoto and Charlotte counties, the lack of fiber internet service providers further exacerbates the issue. The Digital Access for All Initiative aims to expand its reach to these underserved areas in the coming years.

Bridging the Accessibility Gap

Merely providing internet availability is not enough to ensure accessibility for all. Affordability and digital literacy also play crucial roles. The Digital Access for All Initiative bridges this gap by offering a digital navigator program. Similar to health navigators, these skilled individuals guide residents to available services and resources. Additionally, skills training programs are provided to enhance digital literacy, enabling individuals to search for employment opportunities and navigate online platforms effectively. This is particularly important as most job applications and interviews now take place online.

The Long-Term Impact

Cheri Coryea envisions two significant long-term impacts of the Digital Access for All program. Firstly, she hopes that the program will contribute to ending generational poverty by empowering individuals within families to gain employment and achieve financial stability. Secondly, she aims to align with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading to improve reading levels in the four-county region. By improving access to resources and promoting literacy, better economic and academic outcomes can be achieved.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article discusses the Digital Access for All Initiative, which aims to provide access, equipment, and skills training to communities that lack strong internet infrastructure. This initiative aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article mentions the importance of empowering women through the use of enabling technology. By providing access to digital technology and skills training, the Digital Access for All Initiative contributes to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article highlights the impact of digital skills training on employment opportunities. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship, the Digital Access for All Initiative supports SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The article discusses the lack of internet infrastructure in certain communities and the efforts to increase access to information and communications technology. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting social and economic inclusion. By providing access to digital technology and skills training, the Digital Access for All Initiative contributes to SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

– Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

– Target 5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.

– Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

– Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.

– Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Number of individuals in the communities who have received skills training through the Digital Access for All Initiative (Target 4.4)

– Number of women in the communities who have gained access to and utilized digital technology through the Digital Access for All Initiative (Target 5.b)

– Proportion of youth in the communities who have gained employment or enrolled in education or training programs after receiving skills training through the Digital Access for All Initiative (Target 8.6)

– Number of individuals in the communities who have gained access to the Internet through the Digital Access for All Initiative (Target 9.c)

– Number of individuals in the communities who have gained access to digital technology and skills training, promoting social and economic inclusion (Target 10.2)

These indicators can be used to track the progress and impact of the Digital Access for All Initiative in addressing the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators