Map of Newark Public Housing Complexes

Project Abstract- Digital Divide

The Digital Divide is the discrepancy between people who have access to new information and communication tools, such as the internet, as well the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not. The digital divide has been studied, analyzed and is well documented in the report Falling through the Net: Toward Total Digital Inclusion, published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Economic and Statistics Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. According to the reported statistics, Newark, New Jersey has a dismal income scenario as well as many other factors that attribute to the digital divide. The proposed project will not only provide a resource to information technology, but also allow low-income residents in Newark, New Jersey to learn data cabling and other important skills to be competitive in the job market with those who have the access to these technologies and possess necessary technical skills. The internet as well as technical ability is a clear necessity in the modern world, opening doors to education and employment. The digital divide is apparent in Newark and needs to be addressed immediately to impede long-lasting affects of social and technological injustices; this report is the first step at addressing and solving the issue.