Third Annual DC Community Tech Day Unites Skill Seekers & Activists
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — NEWS: Local residents and nationally known digital inclusion leaders are celebrating National Digital Inclusion Week October 7 to 11. Though Washington, D.C. is a capital of innovation and technology, the District still struggles with a stark digital divide. Byte Back is a nationally recognized tech nonprofit that has led digital inclusion in the D.C. area for more than 20 years.
This year, the organization is hosting its 3rd annual DC Community Tech Day, leading D.C.’s National Digital Inclusion Week activities. The event will feature U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and tech career workshops for Byte Back students, alumni, and other community members.
The fourth annual National Digital Inclusion Week includes about 40 events around the country and is organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, which has more than 385 members representing 44 states and the District. Byte Back’s participation is part of a nationwide effort to close digital gaps, from California to the Carolinas.
“We have the ability to bridge the digital divide. We have the resources. We have the know-how. What we’re missing is being brave enough and committed enough to do so,” said Elizabeth Lindsey, Byte Back executive director, in her recently released TEDx talk, a widely shared resource on digital inclusion.
“Not everyone wants to code, but everyone needs basic and intermediate tech skills in order to thrive,” Lindsey said, explaining the need for access to tech training in today’s digital economy.
EVENT: DC COMMUNITY TECH DAY
When: Wednesday, October 9, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Byte Back, 899 North Capitol Street NE Suite 850, Washington, DC 20002
What: This event brings together adult learners for an introduction to tech careers, job skills, and networking practice.
Who:
* U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, representing the District of Columbia
* D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
* Elizabeth Lindsey, Byte Back executive director – national digital inclusion thought leader, recently recognized in The Root 100 most influential African Americans
* About 80 students and alumni, who are gaining tech skills for living-wage careers that use technology (Note: Students and program alumni will be available for press interviews)
Media Contact: Please contact Yvette Scorse, communications director, yscorse@byteback.org, (301) 456-4699, to arrange in-person interviews and/or filming on location.
ABOUT BYTE BACK, INC:
Byte Back provides a pathway of inclusive tech training that leads to living-wage careers. As a leader in digital inclusion since 1997, Byte Back has helped hundreds of graduates launch living-wage careers that use technology. In 2018, 50 graduates were hired, earning $27,599 more per year than before Byte Back training. Please see more at http://www.byteback.org/.
ABOUT DIGITAL INCLUSION, FROM THE NATIONAL DIGITAL INCLUSION ALLIANCE:
“Digital inclusion” refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes 5 elements: 1) affordable, robust broadband internet service; 2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; 3) access to digital literacy training; 4) quality technical support; and 5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration. Digital inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology. Please see more at https://www.digitalinclusion.org/.
Related link: https://byteback.org/
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