Bridging the Digital Divide
Empowering Underserved Communities
At Digital Equity West, our mission is to provide digital access and equality to underserved communities. Our initiatives and activities are designed to bridge the digital divide and create lasting impact. Passion is at the heart and soul of everything that we do.
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Our Story
Digital Equity West is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that is committed to closing the digital divide. Our mission is to promote digital literacy and provide affordable broadband access and equipment options to communities with limited internet access. We reach out to low socio-economic communities to offer internet literacy training and low-cost broadband equipment, aiming to increase internet knowledge and usage. We collaborate with other organizations to expand internet access, provide digital literacy training, and offer discounted devices such as computers and routers. Our goal is to develop meaningful partnerships with government agencies and community organizations to impact the communities we serve positively. We welcome everyone to join us in making a real difference in the lives of those men, women, and children living in underserved communities.
Digital Equity West is dedicated to making the world a better place. Our founders have spent their entire careers in the telecommunications industry and the non-profit sector, serving communities throughout California. They have witnessed the significant advances in technology over the past thirty years, but they also recognize the ongoing need for digital education and internet access in underserved communities.
That’s why our founders established this non-profit—to provide vital support to communities in need of access and digital literacy training, ultimately bridging the digital divide. We have partnered with various organizations to increase broadband access, offer digital literacy training, and provide reduced-cost devices such as computers and routers.
Our goal is to build productive relationships and make a positive impact through all our efforts. Join us in creating real transformation in the lives of many.
What We Do
Empowering Communities
Recognizing the enormity of the challenges our society faces, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact. While our efforts are driven by our organization's focus, we spread a wide net by investing in a variety of programs that empower communities.
Digital Literacy Development and Training
Providing digital literacy material tailored to various skill levels (beginner to advanced) such as basic computer use, internet navigation, online safety, and online services. Providing brochures, flyers, and digital content to inform the community about the program.
Community Outreach & Engagement
Collaborating with local community organizations, libraries, schools, and tech hubs. Partnering with social media and influencers to promote the program and launching and outreach campaigns using community bulletins, and events.
Volunteering Opportunities
We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits. Join us and help create real transformation in the lives of so many underserved communities. Let's provide the knowledge and tools critical for development and growth. Let's invest in our future.
Expand Broadband Access
Working with internet service providers (ISPs) to identify and address barriers to broadband access. Explore opportunities for subsidized internet plans or equipment donations.
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Latest News:
Bridging the Digital Divide
Studies Reveal Gap Remains in Underserved Communities Throughout California
A summer 2023 Statewide Digital Equity Survey compiled by the California Department of Technology (USC Research team) found that 91% of Californians have internet access at home, up from 88% in 2019. However, closing the gap remains a challenge. People with disabilities, who identify as Black or Hispanic, who live in rural communities, or who have a high school degree or lower level of education are generally less likely to have high-speed home internet access. Respondents cite affordability as the main reason they don’t have high-speed internet at home.
Our Founder
Maurizio Cruz
With over 29 years of experience in the telecommunications industry as an engineer and a manager, Maurizio Cruz brings deep technical expertise and leadership to expanding access to technology. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, he witnessed firsthand the barriers that underserved communities face in keeping up with technological advancements. Driven by a passion for bridging the digital divide, he is committed to providing resources, education, and opportunities to individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring everyone has the tools to succeed in the modern world.
