AREAS OF IMPACT

The Three Pillars of Digital Inclusion

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HARDWARE ACCESS: laptops and desktop computers enable people to perform all required digital functions for life and work, including homework, job applications, and specialized skills like coding.

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DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY: high speed and reliable access to internet must facilitate consistent access to streaming and daily functions.

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EDUCATION + EMPOWERMENT for daily use and integration: Digital literacy is a learned skill; starting with fundamentals like typing and integration into digital services like banking and communication, individuals may progress into more specialized skills that feed into workforce opportunities, like VR/AR, AI, coding, and more.

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“The Beyond the Laptops program is an essential resource for youth and families. Through this initiative, we have connected 30 youth and adults to laptop computers, affordable WIFI options and free technology help services. This program has created an equitable pathway for neighbors to access digital academic tools, employment responsibilities/opportunities and vital social service resources. In response to the COVID19 crisis, we are honored to partner with Neighborhood Allies in bridging the digital divide and serving our community in this capacity!”

Nadine Masagara-Taylor, Executive Director of The Corner

“Early in the COVID-19 crisis, we knew that we had to help families get technology in their homes so that they could participate in distance learning. As we all discovered, far too many families do not have laptops, computers or wifi in their homes or there were homes that have multiple children and maybe only one computer.
We were able to partner with The Pittsburgh Penguins and DuoLingo to gather 35 laptops that they had in their offices and were not in use but we knew that would just be a drop in the bucket compared to what was need.

We were so happy to see Computer Reach and Neighborhood Allies partnering to get many more computers into these homes and we knew that we could get some into the hands of waiting families. We started a survey in March to assess the needs of families and last week, we had 182 families on our list. Thanks to Neighborhood Allies and Computer reach 50 of those families will receive laptops.”

Tammy Thompson, Executive Director of CIRCLES Greater Pittsburgh

“Not having full access to Microsoft teams and online learning; Needing to go out to pick up homework packets from school without instruction or understanding from teachers; Trying to borrow and share devices from friends when we can to complete assignments. I am more confident that my children will be successful and prepared for the next school year because of this.
(Distribution process was…) quick and simple. Staff was friendly and smooth. Did not have to leave our cars to receive our devices.
“

Mother of Lincoln students

“The new technology in the hands of my scholars has completely changed my ability to teach during this time. Before, [I had to call] students one at a time to work
through skills from their paper based work book. With 50 students to communicate with, students received limited support. Now with 40 of my students beginning to receive laptops, I am able to hold live daily lessons online. We are up to about 20 students logging in consistently to learn. This has allowed me to deliver my lesson to all students at the same time, thus allowing me to spend the rest of my time supporting students on their practice problems and connecting with families. The implementation of the new technology has brought a sense of comfort and excitement to my teaching and my students learning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Miss Henderson, Pittsburgh Public Schools

“I would like to thank the funders who have blessed my family/household with a free laptop. It was a blessing receiving the laptop because it was a struggle every day for [my daughter] having to go over to her grandmother’s house just to be able to log in for schooling. It was taking away from her personal time as a kid having to commute from house to house for computer use. It has made it so much easier on me as a single working mother of two and one being a small child. The commuting back and forth, Nyla having to stay over with her grandmother for a few days just to be able to have a computer. We are now able to stay home in the comfort of our own home and get school work done and done in a timely manner with us having our own device. Thank you again for everything!!!”

University of Pittsburgh Recipient Mother

“Getting this laptop helps. I have three kids and I can now put one on the laptop while I work with the other two. I am truly thankful.”

University of Pittsburgh Recipient Mother

Neighborhood Allies
429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412.471.3727
info@neighborhoodallies.org

In Collaboration With:

Neighborhood Allies
429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412.471.3727
info@neighborhoodallies.org

In Collaboration With: