Digital literacy is just as critical to America’s economic future today as broadband and the computer equipment needed to access the Internet, according to new public awareness campaign launched last week.
Connect2Compete, in partnership with the Ad Council, launched the EveryoneOn campaign nationwide on Thursday. It is designed to help all Americans access free digital literacy training in their communities and help close the gap in the nation’s digital divide.
“The costs of digital exclusion – of not having access to Internet at home – are rising every day,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “Offline Americans are missing out on opportunities in education, health care, and employment. I applaud the EveryoneOn campaign to onboard the millions of Americans on the wrong side of the digital divide and deliver the digital literacy skills required to succeed in today’s economy.”
Closing the digital divide – and getting all Americans online – requires a multipronged approach, according to the National Telecommunication Information Administration.
“It’s not enough just to provide affordable computer equipment and access to broadband at a reasonable price,” stated Karen Hanson, a program officer for NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. “Just as important is digital literacy training to teach people how to use the Internet and take advantage of everything it has to offer.”
Susan Hildreth, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, blogged about the announcement stating how she has been enthusiastically anticipating this announcement because of how essential libraries are to get EveryoneOn.
“We know that for millions of Americans a local library has helped open new possibilities for education, workforce development and civic participation, and we’re pleased to be partners in this effort,” she wrote.
Connect2Compete continues working to lift broadband adoption rates among low-income Americans and others who are not online. The non-profit organization has worked with more than 70 partners including the Knight Foundation, Carlos Slim Foundation, Comcast, Cox Communications, Intel, Monster, Solix, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to aggregate digital skills training opportunities and programs that enable access to low-cost Internet services.
A major goal of the public awareness campaign is to help people find free computer classes and other broadband training opportunities in their communities as well as offer consumers access to programs providing discounted high-speed Internet and low-cost computers.
The campaign includes a 1-800 number, a mobile text short code and a website (www.everyoneon.org) that lets users look up local class offerings, public computer centers, and Wi-Fi hot spots. The website also features content focused on digital literacy, education, career development and related topics.
A number of television, radio, print, and Internet advertisements about EveryoneOn will be out in the coming weeks thanks to the AdCouncil, which will be communicating the value of digital literacy and driving people to the EveryoneOn.org website or helpline (1-855-EVRY1ON). You also can text “Connect” to 30364 for more information.
