Building Tech Training Capacity in Florida's Communities
GrantID: 15896
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $20,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Capacity Gaps in Florida
Florida faces significant capacity barriers in equipping its youth with essential digital skills. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 14% of households in Florida lack access to broadband internet, with rural areas being disproportionately affected. This digital divide is particularly impactful in communities where Black youth reside, limiting their access to technology education and employment opportunities in the growing tech industry. Addressing these barriers is crucial as Florida's economy increasingly relies on technology and innovation.
Who Faces These Barriers in Florida
In Florida, the struggle for equitable access to technology training is particularly acute in rural counties and urban neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty. For instance, areas like Gadsden and DeSoto County showcase significant educational and economic challenges, making it difficult for the youth to pursue careers in high-demand fields like information technology and software development. Black youth in these areas often encounter both infrastructural and socioeconomic hurdles that restrict their educational advancements.
Moreover, the pandemic exacerbated these challenges by highlighting the gap in digital literacy and access. Schools transitioned to remote learning, and many studentsparticularly those from low-income backgroundswere left without the necessary resources and support to participate fully, resulting in an educational setback that could hinder their career prospects.
How Funding Addresses These Issues
The grant designed to support mobile tech labs in Florida aims to eliminate these access barriers by providing hands-on training opportunities in underserved communities. These labs will deliver an innovative curriculum focused on coding, digital media, and information technology, ensuring Black youth receive the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.
Additionally, mobile tech labs will travel to various locations across the state, reaching students where they live and eliminating transportation barriers. By bringing technology education directly to underserved communities, the initiative not only fosters digital literacy but also encourages interest in further education and employment in technology fields.
Partnerships with local organizations and schools will enhance this program's impact, leveraging existing resources and expertise to create mentorship opportunities. Such grassroots engagement can significantly improve the outcomes for Black youth participating in these tech training programs, thereby fostering economic empowerment and career advancement in Florida’s competitive labor market.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
