Neighbor News
Spectrum Awards Human-I-T $25,000 Digital Education Grant
Spectrum presented a $25,000 grant to the organization at a free computer distribution event held in San Pedro.
Spectrum announced that human-I-T is one of the recipients of its 2018 Spectrum Digital Education Grants. human-I-T, a nonprofit organization based in Long Beach, received $25,000 to support digital literacy training for low-income communities and help shrink the digital divide.
Spectrum presented the $25,000 grant to the organization at a free computer distribution event held at The Port of Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club in San Pedro last night. Special guests at the event included Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, NAACP President of San Pedro/Wilmington chapter; Assemblymember Mike Gipson; Dr. Felton Williams, President of Board of Education for Long Beach, and representatives from the office of Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“human-I-T is sincerely humbled to be a partner in the Spectrum Digital Education grant program and join a powerful collective effort to bridge the digital divide,” said Gabe Middleton, human–I-T, CEO. “This generous gift strengthens our ability to provide digital literacy courses to adult learners throughout Los Angeles County, both in English and Spanish. This grant also complements our work in connecting underserved households to low-cost internet, through programs like Spectrum Internet Assist, alongside free or low-cost computer systems.”
“In our increasingly technology-driven world, the importance of digital education and access to digital resources cannot be overstated,” said Deborah Picciolo, Spectrum, West Region Senior Vice President. “Through the Spectrum Digital Education Grant Program, we partner with leading community organizations like human-I-T to help bridge the divide and provide communities in need with the tools to grow and prosper in the digital age.”
Since 2012, human-I-T has worked to provide low-income individuals and nonprofits with technology, internet and digital training. By reusing instead of recycling electronics, they transform e-waste into opportunities for underserved communities, while promoting digital inclusion and online access.
human-I-T and 22 other deserving nonprofit organizations were chosen from among more than 170 applicants as Spectrum Digital Education Grant recipients — part of an overall $1 million commitment by Spectrum to provide digital education in the communities it serves. Spectrum Digital Education grants support organizations that help educate families and seniors on the benefits of broadband and how to use it to improve their lives. Through the $1 million effort, Spectrum will also provide PSAs, workshops and other technical assistance to local nonprofits.
The latest news, resources and information regarding Spectrum’s philanthropic initiatives and events, can be found at communityimpact.spectrum.com.
Photo Captions: 1: (Pictured L-R): Buz Schott, Spectrum, Senior Director of Government Affairs; Pamela Yu, Spectrum, Senior Manager of Communications; Eileen Harris, human-I-T, Development Director; Gabe Middleton, human-I-T, Chief Executive Officer and James Jack, human-I-T, Chief Innovation Officer.
2: (Pictured L-R): Buz Schott, Spectrum, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Gabe Middleton, human-I-T, Chief Executive Officer, helped distribute 50 free refurbished computers to low-income students and families at a distribution event in San Pedro, CA.
