We’re collaborating with Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) in Newark, NJ and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) on an initiative that assists people in the East Ward section of Newark with digital-skills building and access. This program is part of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, created as part of our companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021 – 2023 to address the digital divide through investments in digital literacy tools, education resources, broadband technology, low-cost internet service, and computers.
Support from LISC and AT&T is helping ICC bring the community up to speed with technology focused on online financial services, state and federal benefits, job training and development, and digital warning signs and safeguarding.
For more than 50 years, the Ironbound Community Corporation has been delivering services that help residents in the Ironbound neighborhood. We’re excited to work with the team to help improve residents’ digital literacy skills that are so important in the digital age.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said this about the program: “This initiative will help equip Newark residents of all ages with resources and tools they need to succeed in our technology-intensive world. We’re glad that AT&T and LISC are working with the team at ICC to offer digital navigation programs in Newark and I commend them on developing this program.”
The Digital Equity & Access program is in full swing, providing workshops and one-on-one trainings to community members and staff. The next series of trainings will be held July 27, August 3 and August 8, from 11 a.m. until noon at the Family Success Center, West, 217 Elm Street in Newark.
ICC has also announced its Digital Generations initiative. With this initiative, ICC will be providing Digital Navigation coaching to both senior citizens and youth between the ages of five and ten years old. The target rollout date for this initiative will be in September 2022. Specific locations will be announced soon.
“With the world rapidly moving to a more digital and technological direction, this relationship with AT&T and LISC will help ICC make a tremendous impact for our community members. This will allow them to stay up to date with technology so to not miss opportunities to help them become successful and more independent,” said Charles Barlow-Richardson, Director of Programs at ICC.
“Access to technology and strong digital skills are critical to a family’s success in education, job training, and today’s workplace,” said Katrin Sirje Kärk, Director of Workforce Innovations at LISC. “We’re grateful for this collaboration with AT&T that’s allowed LISC to support Ironbound and 13 similar partners across the country, enhancing digital skilling and technology offerings in underinvested communities.”
