TechPak Initiative - Increasing Digital Equity

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

COVID-19 has brought about many hardships which disproportionately affect our communities of color, including record-high unemployment. The need for digital inclusion is clear. Access, and the ability to use technology is essential for our residents to participate in the economy. This was an opportunity to innovate and leverage key stakeholders to collaborate more deeply in a shared purpose. In response to COVID-19, we connected with local organizations to launch the Ramsey County’s TechPak initiative. This initiative brought computers, internet and digital literacy training into the homes of Ramsey County residents who have experienced economic impacts due to COVID-19. A total of 2,150 residents received TechPaks from September 2020 to February 2021.