The Digital Divide

The global digital divide is a real problem. There are many organizations and projects that are working toward ending this global problem. One such organization is Close the Gap, which works globally to match refurbished computers donated by corporations and organizations with people who need them, but can’t afford to buy them.1

Close the Gap partners with local effort such as Ecole Superieure Polytechnique Kaya in Burkina Faso. The goal of ESPK is to help train technicians and engineers in developing countries in Africa by providing computer access and training to those who cannot afford it.2 It is a small organization with only 72 computers, but it is through grassroots efforts like ESPK that global change can occur.2

There are many organizations working the bridge the digital divide here in the U.S. Engineers, scientists, and mathematicians donate their time to help with the middle school STEM programs offered through the organization: Citizen Schools. STEM majors require students to be technologically savvy, so Citizen schools provides training computer skills and makes tech equipment available.3 By quipping low-income middle school student with skills in technology, opportunities and careers will be open to them that would not have been otherwise.3

References.

1. Close the Gap. 2014. Who We Are. Retrieved from http://close-the-gap.org/

2. Close the Gap. 2014. Ecole Superieure Polytechnique Kaya. Retrieved from http://close-the-gap.org/projects/project-overview/ecole-superieure-polytechnique-kaya-espk/

3. Citizen Schools. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education. Retrieved from http://www.citizenschools.org/about/education-reform/stem/