Wilmington Alliance announced the formation of the Wilmington is Working Equitable Technology Fund.
The anchor supporter is Barclays US Consumer Bank. The fund aims to address the digital divide by increasing access to online job training and support faster economic recovery for citizens hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wilmington is Working Equitable Technology Fund is designed to assist Wilmington-serving (nonproift) 501(c)(3) workforce development programs in need of hardware devices (i.e. Chromebooks or laptops) and virtual access technologies (i.e. Zoom Pro Plan) for their learners and training providers to offer online job training.
Barclays’ anchor funding will support the procurement, setup and delivery of technology hardware, software, etc.
“Keeping adults and out-of-school youth on their trajectory towards meaningful employment and sustainable career pathways is essential to the community’s recovery post COVID-19,” says Wilmington Alliance CEO Renata Kowalczyk. “The Alliance is proud to lead this collaborative initiative that will keep programs performing essential training and mitigating the digital divide creating workforce equity. Our partners are coming together to meet a need head on.”
The Wilmington Alliance’s Review Committee consists of funders, workforce stakeholders and community partners to evaluate applications and make award determinations quickly to address this need.
“Barclays believes that people must have quality jobs to drive sustainable economic growth, and proper job training is a vital component of that,” said Jenn Cho, head of citizenship, Barclays US Consumer Bank. “During this time of critical need, this newly formed fund will improve job training accessibility, a key focus of Barclays’ Connect with Work program, for the residents of Wilmington who need it most.”
NERDiT NOW, Stanton, will provide the hardware, technical support and maintenance/repairs for the users who will receive devices through the Wilmington is Working Equitable Technology Fund.
Markevis Gideon, founder of the local technology outfit says: “Here at NERDiT NOW, we believe that we are providing more than just a computer – our goal is to provide opportunities. Technology is an essential tool and will help keep our workforce development programs on track to create a positive impact within our community.”
Applications are rolling and projected to be awarded on a biweekly basis subject to funding availability. Programs interested in applying for funding can get more information at www.wilmingtonalliance.org
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