Broadband Connectivity: Not a Nicety, a Necessity
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that internet connectivity, similar to electricity, is necessary for children and youth to grow, thrive, and succeed. Allies for Children works to improve policies and programs to ensure families can access reliable, high speed, and affordable internet. In 2022, we partnered with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and Carnegie Mellon University’s Metro21: The Smart Cities Institute to create a realistic map of connectivity throughout the region.
We continue to work with Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and other partners including the Greater Pittsburgh Digital Inclusion Alliance to make sure all children have internet connectivity. Ensuring accessibility, digital equity, and that digital literacy is available to families to help them connect to virtual services is essential to our work.