Two children sit on colorful foam mats; one is using a laptop while the other writes in a notebook. School supplies and a backpack are nearby.

Digital Equity Resources

What is Digital Equity

The Internet Society Foundation defines Digital Equity as: “. . . the state where every person and community has the necessary information technology resources to participate in society, democracy, and the economy fully.” This means that not only does every person need affordable access to the internet, but they need the skills to use it effectively.

Why is Digital Equity Important?

People from low-income households, the elderly, the physically and mentally challenged, veterans, racial and ethnic minorities, people with language barriers, and people from other marginalized communities adopt and use the internet at lower rates than society in general. As a result, people from these communities are falling behind, both economically and socially, due to their inability to access employment and educational opportunities, online services and opportunities to communicate with their loved ones, friends, and others. Assisting these marginalized communities to access and use the internet brings economic benefits to all of society and can improve and enrich the lives of those that are currently being left behind.

A man pays with a card at a counter while a woman in an apron processes the payment in a burrito and quesadilla restaurant.
A man in a denim shirt smiles while looking at his phone in a forested area.

California Emerging Technology Fund

The North Bay North Coast Broadband Consortium supports digital equity through partnering with the California Emerging Technologies Fund and local organizations to fund:

  • Digital literacy training
  • Digital navigators and digital navigator training
  • Outreach programs
  • Advocacy for legislation to promote digital equity and affordability

California Digital Equity Plan

The State of California has created its California Digital Equity Plan that is intended to:

  • Improve educational attainment and achievement,
  • Increase access to healthcare and healthcare services,
  • Enable digital literacy and inclusion,
  • Empower workforce and economic development,
  • Foster greater access to essential services, accessibility, and civic engagement, and
  • Strengthen tribal collaboration and partnerships.