By: Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
Date: Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Throughout the pandemic, digital connectivity and skills have proven essential for inclusive economic participation and growth. Yet many vulnerable communities face significant challenges in digital access and literacy, including the lack of devices and connectivity, as well as access to upskilling and job training. To bridge the digital divide and create sustainable solutions that outlast the effects of Covid-19, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation announced today more than $6 million in grants to expand access to tech education and build an inclusive workforce.
In addition, the Foundation made a further commitment of nearly $4 million in grants to strengthen nonprofits on the frontline of addressing economic and social vulnerability for those most impacted by the pandemic.
Through this most recent round of education and tech workforce grants, the Foundation partners with organizations to expand opportunities for early exposure to digital technologies both within and supplemental to K-12 settings. With hybrid and virtual education models on the rise, schools are working to adapt to the new technological landscape, but an opportunity gap persists and the most vulnerable are being left further behind.
“We need to come together to create new pathways to opportunity – early exposure, micro-skilling and credentialing – so we can all share in the prosperity of our digital future,” said Patrick J. McGovern Foundation President Vilas Dhar. “Our partners are advancing digital access, developing a robust tech talent pipeline, and addressing urgent challenges in a way that leverages tech skills as tools for social progress.”
The Foundation is also focused on providing resources for upskilling programs that empower individuals emerging from non-traditional career paths to enter the tech economy. These partnerships support innovative pathways for historically excluded communities, who remain underrepresented in the digital workforce.
“This grant supports the development of a comprehensive and culturally relevant curriculum for Native students, with whom we are building solutions with impact and meaning for our communities,” said Andrea Delgado-Olson, Executive Director of Natives in Tech, whose grant will support the Lakota AI Code Camp. “Natives in Tech has made it their mission to create a new narrative in which Natives are included and well-represented throughout the tech workforce.”
The Foundation provided nearly $4 million in grants to support vulnerable communities through the next stage of the pandemic. These grants are aimed at relieving hunger, preventing homelessness, providing aid to refugees, and supporting veterans.
Connor Schoen, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breaktime, an organization that is breaking the cycle of young adult homelessness notes: “We empower young adults experiencing homelessness to build stability in their own lives while building resilience in their communities. The Foundation’s historic investment in our transitional employment program is game-changing in helping us achieve our mission.”
At the heart of all of these grants is the Foundation’s commitment to providing resources at critical points along the education and tech workforce learning journey, while supporting historically resilient communities in forging a better future through the pandemic and beyond. [Click HERE to continue reading.]
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation is a global philanthropy bridging the frontiers of artificial intelligence, data science, and social impact to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Learn more about our recent grants to support climate action, digital health, and vulnerable communities.
Read the original announcement HERE.
