FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/09/2024
Contact: Christine Perez
Company: National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA)
Phone: 202-347-9733
Email: c.perez@nhcoa.org
Web: www.nhcoa.org
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @NHCOA
The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) is taking action against the digital divide. The digital divide is the name given to the gap in benefits received from online access, between those with internet capability, and technological skill, and those without. Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen a staggering shift to internet reliance, from something as simple as entertainment to the far more important aspects of life, like social services and health care.
NHCOA now aims to advance efforts against the divide, through an exciting collaboration with AT&T, who since 2021 has been making serious strides against this pervasive issue of inequality. Since 2021, AT&T has committed a total of $5 billion to narrow the digital divide, specifically aiming to help 25 million people get and stay connected to affordable and reliable internet by 2030.
AT&T’s approach to bridging the digital divide focuses on improving accessibility, affordability, and adoption of broadband capability through initiatives such as Connected Learning Centers, which provide community based organizations with computers and internet access, free digital learning courses, and laptop giveaways in underserved communities nationwide.
Through this collaboration with AT&T, NHCOA will integrate AT&T’s Digital Literacy resources, designed to build basic computer and technology skills, into our own active program, Caring for the Caregiver, NHCOA will engage Hispanic seniors, their families, and caregivers in underserved communities, with high-quality digital literacy educational tools.
“Access to the internet is just one part of the digital divide. Knowing how to use it effectively is just as important,” said Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. “This collaboration with NHCOA will provide high-quality digital literacy and learning resources for parents, caregivers and seniors in Spanish-speaking families.”
Caring for the Caregiver is one of NHCOA’s signature program designed to educate, empower, and inform. It was previously focused on arming caregivers specifically, with tips and tools to ensure that they take care of themselves while taking care of others. Now this successful program will adapt to educate communities on digital literacy, as a vehicle for NHCOA’s collaboration with AT&T. This new edition, aimed at digital literacy, is comprised of educational workshops, both in-person and virtual, and will take advantage of NHCOA’s social media to build awareness and encourage participation.
The Hispanic/Latino population is the largest racial and ethnic minority group in the U.S. With approximately 60.6 million people, Latinos comprise over 18% of the total U.S. population, as well as 10% of its older adult population. NHCOA has long been one of the only trusted voices working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers, with its reliable programs, outreach, research, and advocacy. The collaboration between NHCOA and AT&T will be a direct pipeline for digital literacy resources to the many Hispanic communities in underserved neighborhoods across the country who are without consistent online connection, and who lack the skills to take advantage of online resources.
This project is expected to engage approximately 2,500 Hispanic seniors and older adults, with both in-person and virtual workshops centered on such topics as cybersecurity, email basics, and video conferencing. These workshops will be delivered to local community-based partner organizations across seven states, including the priority states of Texas, California, Illinois, and Georgia.
NHCOA believes strongly in the value of information delivered with cultural and linguistic competency. Thanks to this collaboration with AT&T, we have the chance to use our understanding of the diverse U.S. Hispanic population to deliver knowledge that will help bridge the digital divide. We are excited to join AT&T in this important mission.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our company wide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.
About NHCOA:
NHCOA is the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their caregivers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NHCOA has been a strong voice dedicated to promoting, educating, and advocating for research, policy, and practice in the areas of economic security, health, and housing for Hispanic older adults, families, and caregivers for the last 51 years.
For more information about NHCOA call 202-347-9733 or visit www.NHCOA.org.
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