Pathways to Digital Inclusion in Philadelphia
Verizon Impact Forward Blog Series
In Philadelphia, a city with a historic reputation for progress and innovation – including being the birthplace of the nation’s first electronic computer – the digital divide remains a significant challenge. As with many other U.S. cities, too often, historically disadvantaged communities lack the technology resources and skills to succeed in the digital era.
Verizon knows the profound impact this divide can have on economic opportunities. That is why we are committed to investing in meaningful, long-term partnerships with hyper-local organizations in places like Philadelphia. By collaborating with diverse chambers of commerce and organizations focused on diversifying the tech workforce, we are better able to understand the barriers facing local communities and co-create pathways for Philadelphians to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Adriana Dawson, Community Engagement Director for Verizon’s East Region, believes in a holistic approach to tackling these barriers, “Our goal in Philadelphia is for our partnerships to transcend being just business initiatives; they are lifelines to economic mobility for the communities that make this city great. We are committed to creating opportunities that extend far beyond basic connectivity.”
That priority is exemplified by the “TechEmpower Series,” which was made possible through Verizon’s Community Enhancement Award to the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, & DE. Through a six-part, monthly webinar series, local small business owners will receive expert-led trainings on subjects ranging from e-commerce and marketing to inventory management, with the goal of boosting important tech skills that lead to better business outcomes.
“Digital equity is more than having access to technology and broadband, it is being able to use technology proficiently. In Philadelphia, 2.5 percent of Black-owned businesses are employer firms, meaning many are micro businesses,” said Regina A. Hairston, President & CEO African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE. “This grant is essential in helping to build the capacity and potential of small businesses by providing them the tools and resources necessary to create a solid digital infrastructure. Being able to deploy technology efficiently can lead to increased productivity, revenue, and eventually create more jobs.”
We are also focused on helping to diversify Philadelphia’s tech workforce, which according to Arely Lopez of the Philadelphia chapter of Latinas in Tech, includes only two percent representation of Latinas in the tech sector. The organization was one of five that participated in Poderosas en Philadelphia. Held at the Verizon retail store in Center City Philadelphia on April 4, 2024, the event provided early-career Latinas with networking, free professional headshots, and information on career opportunities at Verizon.
We also partner with Hopeworks, an organization helping young adults gain living wage careers in the tech sector. Hopeworks provides paid technical training in high-demand skills such as front-end web development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data visualization. As part of this partnership, Verizon is supporting the next generation of industry leaders through mentoring programs and workshops led by our V Team experts.
“Verizon’s commitment to digital equity aligns perfectly with our mission” said Hopeworks CEO Dan Rhoton. “By investing in technical training and workforce development, we are not only providing immediate job opportunities but fostering long-term economic stability and growth for young adults in Philadelphia. This partnership is crucial in helping us equip our youth with the tools they need to succeed.”
Organizations across Philadelphia are working hard to ensure everyone can thrive in the digital age. By equipping individuals and businesses with the necessary tools and skills, these efforts are cultivating a future where economic opportunities are accessible to all, allowing the city’s communities to flourish. Verizon is proud to support these initiatives, helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous Philadelphia.
Verizon Impact Forward is our ongoing series highlighting Verizon’s local approach to corporate social responsibility, including the community-based partnerships that make this work possible.