News Summary
The City of Philadelphia is taking a major step towards bridging the digital divide with the launch of the Power Up Tour. This initiative, organized by the Office of Innovation and Technology, aims to distribute 500 free laptops to residents in need over one year. The tour will travel through all City Council districts, offering essential technology and resources at pop-up events. Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson emphasize the importance of equitable access to technology for all Philadelphians, particularly as digital literacy becomes increasingly crucial.
Philadelphia has launched the Power Up Tour, a significant initiative by the city’s Office of Innovation and Technology aimed at improving digital access for its residents. The program plans to distribute 500 free laptops to individuals in need over the course of one year, addressing the critical issue of the digital divide in the city.
The Power Up Tour will travel through all 10 City Council districts, hosting a series of pop-up events designed to empower local residents with essential technology. These events will help participants gain access to critical digital resources necessary for work, education, healthcare, and everyday life. At each event, 50 pre-registered participants will receive a free laptop, along with information regarding affordable internet options and local digital support resources available in their communities.
The inaugural laptop distribution event recently took place at the Joseph W. Catharine School in Southwest Philadelphia. The success of this kickoff event sets a positive tone for the remainder of the tour. Upcoming distributions are planned for May 28 and June 3 in District 8, followed by June 21 in District 6. These planned efforts reflect the city’s commitment to bridging the technological gap among its residents.
Mayor Cherelle Parker has highlighted the critical nature of access to technology, referring to it as a fundamental need and a matter of equity and opportunity for all Philadelphians. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that internet access is a basic necessity rather than an optional luxury. The tour aims to diminish the digital divide that still impacts many households.
While approximately 88% of Philadelphia residents have some form of broadband internet access, there remains a significant discrepancy when it comes to portable technology—only about 61% of households report owning at least one tablet or other portable wireless device. This gap in access can hinder the ability of many residents to participate fully in society, particularly during a time when digital literacy is increasingly necessary in various aspects of life.
Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer for the city, stressed that the Power Up Tour is dedicated to ensuring that residents do not fall behind as technological advancements continue to evolve. The initiative is an effort to provide equitable access to the tools that are essential for success in the modern world.
Residents interested in participating in the Power Up Tour can find more information about upcoming tour stops, eligibility requirements, and additional digital access resources at phila.gov/spotlight/power-up-tour. For any further inquiries regarding digital resources, individuals can also contact the city’s support line by calling 211 or by visiting phila.gov/programs/digitalequityphl.
This initiative signifies a crucial step towards enhancing digital accessibility in Philadelphia, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly technological landscape. As the Power Up Tour continues throughout the year, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the community, granting more residents the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Virtual Science Labs Unveiled at NSTA Conference
Northeastern Pennsylvania Boosts Internet Access
Pennsylvania Governor Challenges Federal Education Funding Cuts
Additional Resources
- Metro Philadelphia: Power Up Tour Philly
- Hoodline: Philadelphia Launches Power Up Tour
- USA Today: AC/DC Tour Tickets
- Wikipedia: Digital Divide
- Google Search: Digital Access Philadelphia
