Tackling the Digital Divide. . . and S&T Worker Preparedness

Activities to address the digital divide and the S&T workforce shortage have increased recently. The following are a sampling of efforts underway to understand and address the growing inequalities in technology access and assimilation.

Washington Governor Gary Locke has proposed a legislative package that would speed the placement of advanced telecommunications services in rural areas by streamlining regulation, promoting infrastructure investment, and encouraging competition. The five-part package would:

• Authorize public utility districts and rural port districts to provide wholesale telecommunications services in their districts;
• Link the state's 68 library districts to the K-20 Internet network;
• Establish alternative forms of regulation for local telephone companies;
• Streamline local governments' regulations to speed infrastructure deployment; and,
• Revamp universal service funding so rural areas can continue to receive affordable phone service in a competitive environment. 

For more information, contact Governor Locke’s communications office at 360-902-4136

The Delaware Department of Economic Development is sponsoring a conference to identify, educate and equip interested community members on skill, techniques and strategies to address the Digital Divide. The Bridge Builders Conference…Over the Digital Divide will be held in Wilmington, Delaware on February 17-18. Visit http://www.bridgingthedivide.org for more information.

PBS will air a two-part series on the Digital Divide, exploring the role computers play in widening social gaps particularly among young people.   The first episode premieres nationwide on Friday, January 28 (consult local listings for viewing time and date in your area) For more information, visit: http://www.pbs.org/digitaldivide/

Even in Silicon Valley, the Digital Divide exists, according to the 2000 Index of Silicon Valley. The index reports that a digital divide has emerged between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white residents. The report, published by Joint Venture:Silicon Valley, indicates that job growth in the Valley has slowed, with a 1.7 percent increase versus 5.2 percent in 1997. The index may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.jointventure.org