March eNews - Your Community Connected

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NEWS & UPDATES

March 2022

"The pandemic didn't create digital inequity, but it definitely shone a light on it."

As Program Director for the San José Digital Inclusion Project, Charlene Tatis has seen the numbers. Despite being the largest city in Silicon Valley, San José has a persistent digital divide that excludes many residents from the technologies that were created in their own backyard. In fact, 95,000 San José residents lack access to broadband, including 36% of LatinX families and 47% of African American families.

The San José Digital Inclusion Project (SJDIP) aims to change this, bringing nonprofits like Tech Exchange together with a goal to connect 50,000 San José households with devices, sustainable broadband access, and digital skills proficiency.

One of Tech Exchange's most generous funders, the SJDIP is managed by the California Emerging Technology Fund in partnership with the City of San José and the San José Mayor's Office of Technology and Innovation. The initial 2020 round of grants awarded $1M to 23 organizations--including Tech Exchange--who had submitted proposals before COVID-19 changed the world.

"Our original outreach plan for the project relied on in-person Tech Fairs," says Erick Chong-Marquez, Tech Exchange's Bilingual Program Coordinator for the SJDIP. "With the pandemic, we had to change our whole approach." The solution? New partnerships with fellow grantees and South Bay organizations EAH Housing, Sacred Heart Community Service, Sunday Friends Foundation, ICAN, GCG / San Jose ON, Third St. Community Center, and Cristo Rey San José Jesuit HS.

"Tech Exchange is unique among the grantees because of its ability to provide devices and tech support," continues Charlene. "The SJDIP grantee collaborations arose out of necessity, but they will benefit the community for a long time to come."

"The SJDIP partnerships made all the difference," adds Erick. To date, Tech Exchange has closed the digital divide for over 400 San José residents.

Hats off to our partner, Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School! On Senior Love Day this winter, teachers and staff distributed laptops donated by Intuitive and refurbished by Tech Exchange. Students also lined up to get power adapters before heading to an outdoor pizza party. Like Tech Exchange, Cristo Rey prioritizes underserved communities. Thanks to Intuitive, the SJDIP, and other supporters who make a gift or donate monthly, these students received a life-changing computer, with access to ongoing tech support, internet assistance, and digital skills.

Digital Literacy at Oakland Public Library

"Now that I know the basics, I'm ready for the tough stuff!" exclaimed Miss Pamela at the end of her digital literacy class. Although she arrived with many questions, she was empowered by what she learned and is now determined to work with more advanced programs.

The class was hosted by the Oakland Public Library Computer & Tech Skills department. Led by Tech Exchange's digital literacy instructors, topics included basic internet navigation, working with email, and more. Participants also received an Amazon Fire tablet that was theirs to keep.

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Intern Spotlight: Johnathan

Johnathan came to Tech Exchange through our longstanding partnership with Civicorps. His energy and enthusiasm have made him a valuable part of the team over the last few months.

Johnathan has proven himself to be a great worker; he is curious, efficient, and has been a huge help in processing devices at the warehouse. He also learns new skills quickly, and we're very happy to have him on the team.

Thank you, Johnathan!

Tech Exchange's workforce development program is supported in part by The Barrios Trust, The Miranda Lux Foundation, and PG&E.

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TECH HUB SUPPORT

IN-PERSON
2530 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601
Wednesdays and Fridays 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Face covering and temperature check is required.

CALL CENTER
Phone or text 510-866-2260
Email info@techexchange.org
Visit us at techexchange.org/tech-hub