Bridging the Digital Divide
The simplest description of the digital divide is the gap that exists between people who have access to modern technology and those who lack that access. As technology becomes more integrated with our day-to-day activities, it also highlights divisions of access- especially for low-income families. Our work at Shift2 is how we can make a difference in the digital divide and help our neighbors to stay connected and discover their full potential.
Technology Connections
Shift2’s affordable access to technology is helping to overcome specific digital divide barriers that affect members in our community.
Families
Instead of needing to save any extra dollars from a paycheck to purchase a computer from a local big box retailer (to the tune of five hundred dollars), an affordable device from Shift2 would allow that money to be spent fulfilling basic family needs like food, housing, clothing, medicine, or healthcare.
Education
Students are often provided a Chromebook or tablet to use for learning in the classroom but many times they can’t take it home. A tablet from Shift2 would be their own personal device to keep and that they don’t have to return at the end of every school year.
Employment
Most open positions are posted online and accept online applications only, which makes it impossible to apply without having access to a digital device. A laptop from Shift2 could be the tool to connect adults with employment opportunities or educational and career services.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine visits are reducing in-person barriers for senior citizens getting to the doctor’s office. But in order to participate in telemedicine you have to have a digital device to use, and a Shift2 refurbished iPad could be that tool for better health care opportunities.