Digital JEDI Consortium

The Digital JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Consortium works to reduce unfair differences in access to technology and learning, also called digital inequities, in jobs and career growth. We believe that everyone should have the same chances to succeed, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Immigrant, and low-income communities.

Digital Divide

The digital divide is the gap between people who have affordable access to technology, skills, and help to use it online, and those who don’t. As technology keeps changing, the digital divide stops people from having the same opportunities in life. It affects people of color, Indigenous peoples, low-income households, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults more than others. 
Definition by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Digital Equity

Digital Equity (or digital opportunity) means that everyone and every community has the technology they need to fully take part in society, democracy, and the economy. It’s important for being involved in your community, getting a job, learning new things, and accessing essential services. 

Definition by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance

The Digital JEDI Consortium works to close the gap in technology access for job development and reach digital equity through four main programs:

1. Digital Navigator Cohort

2. Device Distribution

3. Digital Literacy Courses

4. Outreach, Education, Adoption

Somerville Community Corporation digital literacy course graduates

Digital Navigator Cohort

The main part of the Digital JEDI Consortium’s work is the Digital Navigator (DN) Cohort. According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), “Digital Navigators are trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices and digital skills”. Digital Navigators work with different partners in the Metro North and North Shore communities, by helping individuals access:

  • Devices
  • Internet
  • Tech support
  • Digital skills
  • Community care

As a unique component of the grant, the Mass Association for Computer and Internet Resources (MACIR) provides workforce development to DNs to enhance their professional skills. This includes training opportunities such as Google Certifications in IT, experience with ticketing systems, and specialized instruction from NDIA experts.

Somerville Community Corporation digital literacy course graduates

Community members served:

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Digital service requests received:

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Device Distribution

To help meet the need for devices in the areas it serves, the Digital JEDI Consortium has the goal of distributing at least 1,500 refurbished laptops to eligible community members.

The Consortium also plans to provide 300 Hotspots with a 2-year data plan to eligible community members. Digital Navigators (DNs) assist community members by helping them check if they are eligible for a device and guiding them through the application process.

 

Eligible community members have received:

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Laptops
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Hotspots

Digital Literacy

To help people use technology for career growth, the Digital JEDI Consortium has worked with La Colaborativa to create intermediate and advanced Digital Literacy Courses that teach important skills for getting a job.

The Consortium offers one Intermediate-Level course: Microsoft Office/Windows 101, and three Advanced-Level courses: Advanced Excel, Front-End Web Development, and UI/UX Design.

 

Community partners completed Windows/Microsoft 101 courses, serving:

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community members

Outreach, Education, Adoption

Consortium partners have created outreach plans that fit the needs of their communities. Some examples include multilingual flyers, setting up tables at events, working with services like food lines, making promotional videos, and more.

Digital Navigators (DNs) are often involved in these outreach efforts. By building trust with community members, DNs help spread the word through personal recommendations and word-of-mouth.

Service Locations

The Digital JEDI Consortium will offer services in the Metro North and North Shore areas, including the following cities:

Metro North:

Arlington, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Watertown, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn

North Shore:

Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Nahant, Middleton, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham

Consortium Partners

The MassHire Metro North Workforce Board has teamed up with over 20 community organizations, non-profits, and local governments to help reduce digital inequalities in the Metro North and North Shore areas.

The success of the Digital JEDI Consortium depends on the teamwork and partnerships between MassHire, MBI, and these community organizations and local governments. Each partner brings their own special knowledge in working with the community, workforce development, and social services to help with digital equity.