Episode 25 Closing the Digital Divide with Jacob Martinez

PolicyWise

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Elli Arzbaecher.

Guest: Jacob Martinez.

Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Mehek Kandru, Elli Arzbaecher, and Abby Pugh.

In California, though broadband subscriptions were at record height pre-pandemic, significant gaps still exist, with diminished broadband access within low-income, minority, and rural communities. Considering the ever-expanding reliance on technology within education and workforce development, it is vital to close the digital divide to give underserved communities and youth equal opportunity for success and achievement.

A few episodes back, we talked to Prince Ogidikpe and Sunne Wright McPeak about legislative efforts to tackle the digital divide. Today we will be approaching the issue from a new angle, learning from an organization who works directly with young people throughout California and beyond. The DigitalNEST aims to create economic equality for the residents of low income and rural regions and teach young people the technical skills needed to become competitive and self-sufficient in the digital future. The Digital NEST’s model for tech equity has received national recognition for conquering the digital divide in underserved communities throughout the U.S.

We will be talking to the DigitalNest Founder, Jacob Martinez. Before starting Digital NEST, Jacob spent nearly 10 years running a program funded by the National Science Foundation, to encourage underrepresented Latina girls, and later boys as well, to study computer science. Jacob currently sits on several community boards and has received many leadership awards, such as being named one of TechCrunch’s 2014 “Top 10 Men in the Country Supporting Women in Technology.”

Resources:
DigitalNEST.org

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