Techquity: 3 Ways to Bridge the Digital Divide
Technology has the power to change lives.
Being connected is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential. When students can log in to learn, when adults can apply for jobs and when families can access the resources they need, they create pathways to stability and success.
United Way’s Key Initiative, Techquity, is about making sure no one is disconnected from opportunity simply because they lack access to technology. Its vision is simple: ensure digital equity and inclusion for every resident in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
Here are three ways you can bridge the digital divide:
Learn about the digital divide
The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology, and those we do not. 
United Way started Techquity during the pandemic by providing devices for nonprofits and schools in need. But it was quickly discovered that this was more than just a few people in need. The digital divide was preventing people from accessing much-needed support and services.
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More than 91,000 households do not have a basic computer.
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One in four children do not have access to a computer at home, leaving them to complete schoolwork without the tools they need to keep up or get ahead.
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89% of jobs in Wisconsin now require digital skills, yet one in three workers does not have the skills needed to compete for those opportunities.
The challenges are real, but so are the solutions.
Donate Laptop Computers
Companies and organizations can make a big impact on Techquity by directing functional, but unwanted, surplus computers to this cause. These computers are refurbished and distributed through Techquity.
United Way partners with two outstanding organizations, Digital Bridge and Cascade Asset Management, who have the expertise to fully refurbish computers with installations of fresh operating systems.
Founded in 2010, Digital Bridge has been a key partner in United Way’s Techquity initiative since the initiative’s inception and is a nationally recognized nonprofit IT asset disposition organization.
Cascade Asset Management has provided comprehensive IT equipment retirement services for businesses, institutions, and municipalities since 1999, and provides environmentally responsible and secure device refurbishment and recycling.
Volunteer for a distribution event
If you are looking for a way to volunteer, consider one of United Way’s Techquity Distribution Events.
Volunteers help guests with the computer setup and answer basic questions about their new computer. You can volunteer individually or as a team.
Techquity has regular device distribution events, and person after person attending these events has said they were impressed by the ease of the process to receive a device, and the respect and dignity with which they were treated.
