MDC Receives $100,000 Grant From Comcast To Tackle Internet Insecurity
Miami Dade College received a $100,000 grant from Comcast to tackle internet insecurity and close the digital divide in Miami-Dade County through the Digital Navigators program.
Starting this fall at MDC, twenty students will be trained to become digital navigators that assist people in the community to access and navigate the internet safely across various devices.
In addition, at least 150 community-based non-profit organizations will be trained by five MDC continuing education faculty on digital literacy skills.
The program came about after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a lack of reliable internet access or knowledge in segments of South Florida. As the pandemic lagged, it soon became apparent that people knew how to use their cellphones but they were not digitally savvy, many lacked the digital tools to access services that could assist them.
“The pandemic was something that taught everyone how important it was to have internet connectivity,” said Marta Casas-Celaya, the external affairs director for Comcast in South Florida. “This is a community that needs internet access.”
Students in the program will follow a 21-hour community education curriculum that teaches them how to assist their community with internet navigation and operating digital tools such as Microsoft Windows and Office, macOS and social media platforms.
Digital navigators will also be taught how to help the community apply for internet programs and subsidies like Comcast’s Internet Essentials—a 50/10 Mbps internet service plan at $9.95 per month—and a $30 monthly internet subsidy from the Affordable Connectivity Program.
“Students will help community-based organizations or anyone in the community who wants to learn how to use digital tools,” said Loretta Ovueraye, the vice provost for workforce and professional learning at MDC.
Classes, which can take place virtually and/or in person, will be taught at the student’s pace.
Participants will receive a minimum stipend of $250 after completing at least 15 service-learning hours in the community. Graduates from the program will also receive a Digital Navigator Badge.
“It’s a lot more empathy, a little bit of patience,” Ovueraye said, in describing the program. “They are learning [to] teach someone else how to use a tool.”
To find out more about the program or to apply, click here or email workforceprogram@mdc.edu. If you want to request a Digital Navigator to assist your organization with digital literacy, click here.
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