Research: Targeted Digital Initiatives Narrow Digital Divide in King County
Seattle, WA, June 12, 2024 - A new study conducted by Applied Inference and released by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) illuminates the growing digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly impacting non-native English speakers and individuals without access to devices. This research highlights the significant, measurable benefits of community-based digital navigation support, demonstrating how effectively tailored services can bridge the digital divide in marginalized communities.
Key Findings:
Financial and Security Barriers: High costs of devices and services remain a major hurdle, compounded by fears of scams and identity theft, preventing many from accessing necessary technology.
Essential Digital Skills: Echoing the finding from the National Skills Coalition’s “Closing the Digital Skill Divide” that 92% of jobs now demand digital skills, the study found disproportionate need for job-related digital skills among marginalized communities.
Challenges for Non-native Speakers: The data reveals that non-native English speakers face significantly more difficulties, both in accessing technology and utilizing digital tools effectively.
Addressing the Digital Inequities:
The COVID-19 pandemic has sharply outlined the severe digital disparities affecting communities of color, immigrants, refugees, seniors, and low-income families. With the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, these disparities, particularly among low-income and non-English speaking populations, are poised to widen. Addressing these challenges is crucial not just for individual financial self-sufficiency but also for the overall vitality of the regional workforce.
Strategic Response:
In July 2022, the WDC initiated a digital equity asset map to centralize information on digital skills classes and resources. At the same time, a survey of WorkSource staff found only 14% assessed digital needs among job seekers, prompting the WDC to standardize this assessment process across Seattle-King County to enhance digital access.
With nearly $1 million in funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce and additional support from Comcast and JP Morgan Chase, the WDC has embedded digital navigation within workforce development, building network partnerships with the City of Seattle IT, King County IT, and Make Digital Equity and Seattle Libraries. The WDC funded twelve community organizations with a combined $884,750, serving 3,160 individuals. Those organizations included: Casa Latina, Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC), East African Community Services (EACS), El Centro de la Raza, Friendship Circle of Washington, Horn of Africa Services (HOAS), Khmer Community of Seattle King County (KCSKC), Sound Generations, Puget Sound Training Center (PSTC), Uplift Northwest, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and World Relief.
These organizations tailored their programs to meet unique community needs, emphasizing laptop distribution, internet access, and digital skills training. While all organizations centered on these goals, the final implementation of the program depended on the needs of the communities they serve and each organization’s experiences and resources.
Program Outcomes
Demographic Impact: The program significantly supported BIPOC (90%), low-income (89%), and non-English speaking (55%) communities.
Technology Distribution: Despite distributing 250 hotspots and 600 laptops, demand continues to outstrip supply, highlighting the persistent need for technology access.
Positive Feedback: Participants lauded the program for its professional, patient, and culturally sensitive approach to technology education, which has been critical in overcoming language and transportation barriers.
Evaluation and Future Recommendations:
An independent evaluation by Applied Inference used a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the program’s impact. Key recommendations include:
Increased Resource Allocation: Enhance funding for digital devices and tailored training, especially in-language instruction.
Self-Study Curriculum: Develop a comprehensive self-study curriculum with visual aids and translations to support independent learners.
Community of Practice: Establish a community of practice for ongoing engagement and incorporate adaptive technology to accommodate participants with disabilities.
The report showcases the tangible benefits of targeted digital equity initiatives: promoting digital literacy, strengthening community ties, and fostering personal development. It offers valuable insights for the WDC’s continued efforts to tackle digital inequities in Seattle-King County.
Quotes
Marie Kurose, CEO of the WDC: “This report underscores the urgent need to address the digital divide that disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable communities. We must think more expansively about the importance of technology skills in all jobs, particularly in quality jobs that provide pathways to economic stability. We are proud of the positive impacts we’ve made and remain dedicated to continuing this vital work."
Shelan Aldridge, Program Manager at the WDC: “The Digital Navigator program was a launching point for the WDC, which advanced the work of our regional community partners to increase digital skills and access to digital devices. We now embed digital equity across our workforce development programs and systems. We believe that advancing digital equity is necessary to connect low-income workers to quality, livable wage jobs.”
Stephanie Ung, Co-Executive Director of Khmer Community Center of Seattle King County: “The investment in our community to bridge the digital divide allows us to bridge the intergenerational gap between Khmer elders and youth. Bringing them together over technology uplifts the knowledge and skills of our youth while affirming and including our elders in modern means of communication and information access to external resources.”
About Applied Inference
Led by Elizabeth Moore, PhD, Applied Inference specializes in research support and program evaluation with over 35 years of experience, spanning roles at the University of Washington, the nonprofit sector, and at Applied Inference since 1987. Moore combines experimental design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and an integrative approach to data analysis to identify underlying patterns that may help improve services to clients or identify unmet need. With a commitment to excellence, Applied Inference turns data into strategic assets for enhancing service delivery and achieving goals.
About the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County aspires to lead transformative change that will evolve our region’s workforce development efforts into an innovative industry, community, and outcome-driven system with racial equity at its core. As a nonprofit organization, the WDC collaborates with a diverse set of partners to elevate job quality, economic growth, and prosperity for adults and youth throughout the Seattle-King County region.
For more information about Digital Navigation and other initiatives, please visit seakingwdc.org.
Contact:
Ana Gaeta, Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
206-448-0413, agaeta@seakingwdc.org
seakingwdc.org/contact-us