Carnegie Mellon University
Heinz College
Capstone Project
Recommendations
To Bridge the Digital Divide
1: Understand the Digital Divide
The first step in understanding the digital divide is to gather data on resident access to devices and the internet. The City could partner with existing surveying efforts, for example those led by Jackson & Clark partners, to conduct a widespread and representative technology survey. Other survey partnerships could be created, such as the Pittsburgh Public schools or the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, as both of those organizations have an existing presence in many Pittsburgh neighborhoods. In addition to resident surveys, the City should identify key stakeholders in the city of Pittsburgh who can lend multiple perspectives to the issue of digital equity.
2: Provide Increased Access to the Internet, Devices and Digital Literacy Training
In talking to partners and stakeholders, the city can better understand programs that already exist to promote digital access and literacy in PIttsburgh. By leveraging community groups and organizations that are already helping to bridge the digital divide, the city can assist in expanding existing programs to neighborhoods that need it. The Carnegie Library provides outreach programming in digital literacy skills around the city, and would be a great partner for the City of Pittsburgh. Neighborhood organizations will be key in helping the city to understand neighborhood specific needs, so that programming can be tailored to fit a variety of users.
The city can also increase user access to the internet, devices and literacy programs by applying for grants. The city of Chattanooga applied for a $7.2 million Smart Grid Investment Grant to improve infrastructure. The state of Pennsylvania has applied for federal grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development to implement and monitor broadband access across the state.
3: Promote Digital Equity Initiatives to City Residents and Employees
Residents in the City of Pittsburgh should know that the city is committed to bridging the digital divide. This can be done through at outreach campaign that is linked to the city’s Roadmap for Inclusive Innovation. By outlining a digital equity strategy within the Roadmap, and promoting this strategy throughout the city at community meetings, city residents can better understand what they stand to gain from digital equity. This outreach can also help the city discover programs that already exist to bridge the digital divide, as residents and community groups will have the opportunity to share their experiences with the city.