The Digital Divide in America
The FCC reports that approximately 44 million Americans lack access to high-speed internet. This digital divide has a significant impact on low-income households, people of color, and those living in rural areas. Learn more about our stories and this issue, and discover ways to contribute.
About Us
We are an organization called Digital Equity & Excellence from the Newfield Central School District striving to promote broadband access and technological learning in all communities.
Newfield Central School District, situated in Ithaca's Tompkins County, is a 20-minute drive from Cornell University, a leading global educational institution. Despite this, Newfield students face a stark reality: they are the only ones in Tompkins County without 1:1 devices, making it difficult for them to engage in online learning. This digital divide disproportionately affects marginalized students in Newfield. Unfortunately, many students still lack reliable internet access, relying on mobile hotspots to do their homework at home. To address this digital injustice, the district has been given Learning Technology Grant funding. However, Internet Service Providers have not been responsive to the community's needs, choosing to pay fines instead of installing necessary infrastructure.
What’s happening in Newfield?
Poor Mobile Internet at School
“It’s difficult to use our phones in school because there’s no internet: so difficult that we can’t even call our parents if we need them to pick us up”
Bad at School, Good at Home
“The internet at school is so bad I have to walk all the way to the track just to take or make a call. I have no problem using internet at home.”
My Home is an Internet Hub
“My wifi is relatively good in comparison to many of my friends. I often have friends over at my house to do online assignments because either they don’t have unstable internet.”
Why does digital equity matter?
With our increasing dependence on the internet for communication, education, emergency services, and other essential needs, the lack of access can make it challenging for people to participate in society. Unequal access to digital resources creates a "digital divide," which disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequities. Achieving digital equity is not just a moral imperative, but a critical step towards building a fair and just society that benefits everyone.
"The Cost of the Digital Divide: Marginalized Groups in Rural America Miss Out on $10 Billion in Annual Economic Opportunities"
The Pew Research Center reported in 2019 that around 58% of rural American adults had home broadband access, compared to 79% of urban and 76% of suburban residents. Furthermore, 37% of rural adults indicated that high-speed internet access was a major problem in their local community.
"The Cost of the Digital Divide: A homework gap that hinders students’ academic progress and opportunities for success. ”
According to a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center, just 59% of Black adults and 60% of Hispanic adults in the US have a high-speed Internet connection at home, compared to 79% of White adults. "The disparity in online access is also apparent in what has been called the “homework gap” – the gap between school-age children who have access to high-speed internet at home and those who don’t. This lack of access can make it more difficult for minority students to participate in online learning and access educational resources.
How can you help?
To Students Everywhere
Help us raise awareness by sharing your stories.
To Parents Everywhere
Help us raise awareness by writing letters to your local legislature.
To all Community Members
Learn more about the movement and take action now.