On March 10th at Esperanza, dozens of children and families from District 7 received laptop computers as part of the “Power Up” initiative, program by the City of Philadelphia aimed at closing the digital divide and expanding educational and employment opportunities for residents.
This year, the initiative has distributed 500 laptops across the city, including 50 laptops for pre-registered residents in 10 City Council districts. At the Power Up event at Esperanza, the welcome remarks were delivered by Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology; District 7 Councilmember Quetcy Lozada; and Rev. Luis Cortés Jr., founder, president, and CEO of Esperanza.
After the remarks, 35 laptops were distributed and the recipients recognized, followed by a bilingual training session on how to use the devices, access digital resources, and navigate the internet safely. The program also included a Q&A session and dinner for participating families, in an atmosphere accompanied by music from Tino Serrano & Latin Jazz Quartet.
Technology to close the digital divide
Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology, explained that the initiative aims to strengthen communities through access to technological tools.
“We want to empower Philadelphia with technology so people can improve their lives within their communities. Technology truly unlocks many opportunities,” she said.
Scott noted that for many years some communities have faced inequalities in access to technology, contributing to what is known as the digital divide.
“For a long time, our communities have been disproportionately affected, where there is a divide between those who have access to technology and those who do not. Technology is one of those barriers we want to eliminate,” she explained.
The program is part of the economic development priorities promoted by Mayor Cherelle Parker and includes distributing computers across various City Council districts.
“We are visiting council districts to distribute laptops and help close that digital divide,” Scott said.
In addition to providing devices, the Power Up. “The program has three pillars: access to internet connectivity, access to the devices people need, and training in digital skills. That’s where the real potential is unlocked,” Scott explained.
Digital education for families and students
Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. highlighted that the program not only distributes computers but also provides training so families can learn how to use them effectively.
“The most important part of this initiative is that more than 40 families, for the first time, now have a computer. They received a ThinkPad, one of the best on the market, and they are also being taught how to use it,” he explained.
According to Cortés, the real value of these tools lies in the knowledge needed to use them for education, work, and community development. “More important than having a computer is knowing how to use it: for school, for business, for preparing work projects, or for helping the community,” he said. During the event, Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. also highlighted an ongoing program at Esperanza’s Career Link called Hope Digital Skills, that provides regular bilingual trainings and resources (including laptops) to Hunting Park.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada also emphasized that access to technology opens new opportunities for families. “For me, it represents an opportunity for families and young people to connect electronically. For many families, not having access to a laptop makes it difficult to apply to colleges or programs that offer opportunities to improve their quality of life,” she said.
The councilmember added that internet access also allows parents to apply for jobs or access assistance programs. “It also gives mom and dad the opportunity to apply for jobs or for grant programs that can help with utility bills. There is so much that can be done when you have access to the internet,” she explained
For more information about the initiative, see: www.esperanza.us or (215) 967-9711
