Visa partners with human IT helps bridge digital divide for low-income communities
Access to the internet is something many of us take for granted, yet for an estimated 19 million people in the United States, reliable internet access remains out of reach. This gap significantly affects their ability to access jobs, healthcare, education, and community services. According to Pew Research, 41% of adults with annual incomes under $30,000 do not own a computer, a reality with profound implications across generations. From students struggling to keep up with their studies to parents seeking employment and grandparents isolated from social services, the digital divide creates barriers that prevent many from accessing opportunities that are increasingly available online.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the consequences of the digital divide, especially in low-income and minority communities. During a time when digital connectivity became crucial for work, education, and social interaction, those without access were further marginalized. Recognizing the severity of this issue, President Biden has introduced a plan to provide more Americans with affordable or free high-speed internet, emphasizing that high-speed internet is now a necessity, not a luxury.
In response to this pressing need, Visa has partnered with Human-I-T, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring equitable access to technology and digital training. Together, they have launched the Visa Digital Empowerment Program. This initiative, piloted in Pueblo, Colorado, aims to provide laptop computers, educational resources, and internet access to communities with low digital adoption, including minority-owned small businesses and low-income families and students.
Colorado House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the long-standing relationship between Colorado and Visa. She highlighted how the program’s digital literacy curriculum and technology provisions, along with training sessions, are empowering residents to succeed in today’s digital world.
Participants in the Visa Digital Empowerment Program will receive free remote tech support for a year and complimentary enrollment in Visa’s financial literacy program. For over 30 years, Visa’s award-winning financial literacy program has helped individuals, families, and small businesses worldwide better manage their finances, thereby improving their quality of life and uplifting their communities. By combining Visa’s financial expertise with Human-I-T’s foundational digital skills training, this partnership has the potential to significantly uplift underserved communities and prepare them for a digital-first future.
Human-I-T has a strong track record of bridging the digital divide. Their digital inclusion programs have led to 83% of participating students reporting improved grades, 54% submitting homework online for the first time, a third applying for new jobs, and half using new technology to reconnect with family members.
The Digital Empowerment Program also aims to support small and micro businesses (SMBs) in their recovery from the pandemic. Many SMBs, which often rely on cash transactions, were hit hard over the past two years. This program provides them with tools and resources to adapt to the digital age, helping them grow and overcome future challenges in an increasingly digital world.
Sandya Magge, Vice President of North America Inclusive Impact & Sustainability at Visa, emphasized Visa’s long-standing commitment to increasing access to digital services and financial education resources for businesses, individuals, and communities across the United States. She noted that with millions of Americans lacking high-speed internet access, partnering with Human-I-T to provide technology and digital financial literacy programs can transform lives and support the recovery and success of small businesses.
Digital Empowerment Launches in Atlanta
In June, Visa expanded its Digital Empowerment program to Atlanta, Georgia, providing 1,000 individuals and small businesses with laptop computers, foundational skills training, financial literacy education, and a year of free remote tech support from Human-I-T. Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp highlighted the program’s importance, stating that access to digital resources and foundational skills is crucial for advancing economic growth and educational opportunities in the state.
The launch event in Atlanta featured keynote remarks from Visa CEO Al Kelly, Chief Diversity Officer and Head of Corporate Responsibility Michelle Gethers, and Governor Brian Kemp. The event was well attended by program recipients, community members, and partner organizations such as Community Council, the Latin American Association, and Literacy Action.
Visa continues to collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders in Atlanta, including government entities and nonprofit partners, to enhance digital financial equity across communities. Through these partnerships, Visa aims to ensure that more people have the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a digital-first world.
By addressing the digital divide through comprehensive programs that provide access, education, and essential equipment, Visa and Human-I-T are making significant strides toward achieving digital equity. These efforts are not only transforming individual lives but also fostering stronger, more inclusive communities capable of thriving in the digital age.
