California Digital Divide Innovation Challenge
Finalist
Download LBMTM'S
Proposed Solution
Learn more about our proposed solution for the California Digital Divide Innovation Challenge by downloading our presentation and proposal.
About
The California Digital Divide Innovation Challenge is an open, global competition that mobilizes inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other innovators from public and private sectors to develop technology and strategic partnerships for universal affordable broadband internet access across the state.
Inequities in internet connectivity persist across regions and demographic groups.
While we live in a connected world, we could not ignore the digital and economic divide.
19% of L.A. County and 20% of Central Valley households either have no connection or rely on smartphones.
24% among Hispanic Communities are unconnected or restricted to smartphones.
27% of people with disabilities are unconnected or connected only via smartphone, compared to 15% of the overall population.
LBMTM’s thoroughly tested solution outlines a turnkey, two-pronged approach combined with traditional and emerging tech to address the need and complexity of connectivity access for rural, remote, urban, and suburban students and their families throughout the state of California.
All under $15 per month, our holistic solution also included an implementation plan and additional resources for ongoing mobile device management and security — meeting Federal as well as CIPA standards.
We performed a number of extended tests in four counties, including Foster City (San Mateo County), L.A. (Watts and Compton), Santa Clara, and Central Valley.
Beta Testing Locations
We believe every student should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
IC - Data Santa Clara County Map
A special thank you to the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) for their support with student testing.
Read the Reflections Letter from the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)
This partnership has not only supported our families’ ability to understand their regions and best practices for connectivity, but also provided a hands-on experience to support their families’ opportunities of growth, access to resources, and ultimately an understanding that our families must be part of the solution.
- Sade Williams, Community Engagement Specialist, PIQE