By Tonya Drake / For The Herald
Throughout the pandemic, internet access has proved to be a valuable educational tool. And yet, the gap between those with and without that access is widening. The question is, how do we narrow the gap between the haves and the have-nots?
And where do we begin?
It’s critical for local leaders to step up and work together to figure out ways to bridge this digital divide. The time is now.
There is no question the coronavirus pandemic shined a light on the digital divide or the disparity between the haves and have-nots when it comes to individuals with laptops, tablets and high-speed internet and those without even basic online access.
More than a year later, with vaccines more readily available, cities are starting to reopen. But the digital divide hasn’t gone away.
College students depend on reliable internet connectivity now more than ever. However, many communities lack affordable internet options. Communities across our state — both urban and rural — lack affordable internet access, which is central to students’ ability to complete their studies. People from underserved communities in particular continue to face barriers that prevent them from accessing educational and other opportunities that many of us take for granted.
According to a report by the Washington Roundtable, people of color are among those disproportionately impacted by dips in the economy. By one estimate, communities of color are at least 10 years behind white communities when it comes to internet access. The gap could mean large numbers of Black and Hispanic American workers could be disqualified or underprepared for 86 percent of jobs in the U.S. by 2045.
As our region recovers from the pandemic, we must ensure that all residents have equitable access to reliable internet so they can tap into the transformative power of higher education. By making access to continued education more equitable, the local talent pool that will be ready to enter the workforce of tomorrow; resulting in stronger, vibrant communities and a thriving economy.
We can achieve this goal through partnerships.
The power of partnerships is critical to solving some of the deeper obstacles to digital equity that some individuals face.
Ambitious ventures that pool resources can build a path to equitable access. Tech companies, state and local governments, educational institutions, internet service providers and community organizations must work together to forge that path. As a result, more individuals will have the opportunity to pursue an education that can support their economic mobility and open doors of opportunity.
Two local leaders are helping bridge the digital divide across Washington state.
Through a unique scholarship program, T-Mobile and WGU will provide up to 2,000 WGU students with a free hotspot and wireless connectivity. WGU’s combined efforts with T-Mobile will help expand access to reliable internet, allowing many more individuals to transform their lives through education.
One person aided by this partnership is WGU student and local woman Tina Cabais. A single mom, working fulltime on a limited income and pursuing a bachelor’s degree online, Tina needed reliable internet access that could support her studies.
“I was out of data. It’s hard to stay focused when you’re worried about when are you going to log in, are you going to be able to log in,” said Cabais, who was sharing data with a full house, and running out.
Thankfully, T-Mobile and WGU stepped in to help. Tina received a hotspot from T-Mobile to help her complete her studies. And she says her kids are excited to see their mom on the path to a college degree in business administration.
“They are my biggest cheerleaders, they believe in me,” she said.
Public and private partnerships are essential to addressing the issue of the digital divide as we transition to a post-pandemic economy. With equitable access to digital tools and education, individuals can prepare themselves to compete for in-demand jobs, strengthen our local workforce and ultimately change their lives for the better.
Dr. Kiesha Taylor, national education administrator at T-Mobile said, “We have strategically brought in our senior leadership team and worked hard to make sure that we’re talking through workforce development opportunities and opportunities to innovate and bridge the digital divide across the university. When you empower a student with a hotspot or with connectivity, you’re empowering them on so many different levels.”
Tina Cabais is proof that if we can narrow the digital divide, we can improve student’s lives. and WGU and T-Mobile demonstrate what a powerful role community partnerships can play in narrowing that divide.
Dr. Tonya Drake is chancellor of WGU Washington and Northwest regional vice president.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
