Technology is built into nearly every aspect of our daily lives and how we learn and work. Inequitable access to technology and digital skills development compounds existent inequities.
We are at a critical crossroads on our journey to build a resilient workforce and economic mobility and social inclusion for all Americans. In our quest to use digital tools to increase efficiency and impact, we have further marginalized individuals that lack the connectivity – and skills – to navigate an increasingly digital world. A third of all American workers aged 16-64 have limited or no digital skills (OECD), and digital divides continue to reflect existing inequalities when analyzed by race or income (NTIA), exacerbating existing disparities (US Census Data).
This is especially acute in the world of work. 92% of jobs now require digital skills (NSC), yet 73% of service sector workers lack the skills to solve problems in digital environments. Few receive training at work or can access opportunities outside of work to improve their digital skills and develop their “digital resilience,” or their confidence, agility, and capacity to learn to use new technologies (Digital US).
Building an Equitable Digital Ecosystem to Learn, Work, and Thrive
All of US must collaborate in unprecedented ways across the increasingly digitized learn and work ecosystem to ensure it works for all individuals. As Digital US passes its three-year mark, we’ve taken stock of how our work as a collective impact coalition has shifted to meet the main challenges and opportunities in advancing digital equity.
The top 3 areas in which Digital US members are collaborating and seek support and partnership to build a digital equity ecosystem in which all can learn, work, and thrive are:
Join US to secure a more equitable digital future for all of US.
Local businesses, employers, healthcare providers, local government, service providers, schools, communities, our environment