Wes Jackson, BRIC President
This week, the team took a giant step forward in executing our mission to empower our communities through media and technology. We are proud to announce the launch of our Digital Equity pilot program in partnership with University Settlement and with the support of Spectrum, an initiative designed to give NYCHA residents the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in our increasingly digital world. This program builds upon the recent expansion of broadband access to NYCHA developments citywide through the Big Apple Connect initiative.
Our program goes beyond teaching people how to simply use technology or the high speed connectivity. It is about breaking down barriers and closing the digital divide. To those who have historically lacked access to high-speed connectivity, the tools we all need for our empowerment, we recommit to ending that inequity. This program is about creating self-sufficiency and agency for our neighbors, regardless of their background or circumstance. You will not be left behind.
At BRIC, we believe that access to technology and media is a fundamental right. For too long, the digital divide has disproportionately affected communities like our friends and family in NYCHA housing. Without the resources or support to develop crucial digital literacy skills, educational opportunities and economic prospects, a population of geniuses equivalent to a mid-sized US city go unheard.
Our Digital Equity program aims to change that. By providing free classes, workshops, and resources, we are empowering residents of all ages, from the elders to the babies, to engage with technology meaningfully. This pilot program focuses on two key workshops:
- Digital Creator Youth Workshops: These are designed to ignite the creative spark of pre-teens. Through hands-on activities and engaging projects, youth will explore various digital tools and platforms, learning to express themselves and tell their stories in the digital age and giving them the tools to participate in the creator economy.
- Unlocking Your Smartphone’s Potential (for older adults): This workshop series is tailored to the needs of older adults, helping them harness the power of their smartphones. Participants will learn essential skills like navigating apps, staying connected with loved ones, accessing vital information, avoiding scams and ensuring their online safety.
This pilot program is just the beginning. BRIC is committed to being a leader in digital equity, working to expand this initiative and advocate for policies that promote digital equity for all New Yorkers. We envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to harness the power of technology to learn, grow, and create.
We’re incredibly proud to partner with University Settlement and the residents of these communities on this important journey. Thank you to Hearst Foundations, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation, and the New York City Council for their support in developing this program. Thank you also to Spectrum for not only championing this program and bringing it to fruition but also for their commitment to digital education at large. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Here’s to creating a generation of not consumers but producers and storytellers. Please join us on this journey.
-Wes, President, BRC Arts Media
