A new tech hub in Crown Heights aims to reduce the growing digital divide between those who have easy access to the internet and those who do not.
“The Brooklyn Gigabit Center will not only provide individuals from all walks of life with reliable, free internet, but it will ensure opportunities for education and growth reach those same people through its plentiful STEM programs — serving the diversity, equity and inclusion priorities that are key to the future of our community," said Congress Member Yvette Clarke.
The Brooklyn Gigabit Center was officially opened on March 22, in the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center in Crown Heights.
The new community tech hub will offer free internet access, educational workshops for students and access to tablets, laptops and workstations.
“Whether completing homework or learning to code, students in underserved communities rely upon equitable internet and device access to keep pace with their peers and to explore potential career horizons,” said New York City chief technology officer Matthew Fraser.
The Brooklyn Gigabit Center is the result of a partnership between LinkNYC, New York City Office of Technology and Innovation, ZenFi Networks and Digital Girl.
“This digital divide keeps over a million of our neighbors offline. We have an obligation to ensure everyone has the access they need, especially students,” said Nick Colvin, CEO of LinkNYC.
According to the New York state comptroller, more than one million households in New York City lack access to broadband. In Crown Heights, 36% of households do not have broadband internet access.
Additionally, 11% to 13% of New York City students lack access to Wi-Fi outside of school.
Without access to these necessary modern-day tools, students can struggle to complete homework and participate in remote learning.
”There is an important, understandable focus on socioeconomic divides within access to broadband and Wi-Fi — but there is also a large gap in women and girls’ digital adoption compared to men and boys,” said Michelle Gall, executive director of Digital Girl.
“The Brooklyn Gigabit Center will offer opportunities for all students to get online and excel in digital literacy, and we are going to make sure Brooklyn’s girls have the support they need to take that step.”
The Center is currently the largest gigabit center in the city. To date, similar centers have been opened in Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan.
Additionally, the Staten Island Gigabit Center is expected to open in the coming weeks. These centers all provide free broadband internet access, as well as community-specific training and workshops.
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