The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on what experts call the “digital divide” – the gap between those with access to technology and those without.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it forced many to live their lives online. School, meetings, weddings, birthday parties — all had to be held virtually, but not everyone has access to the technology needed to adapt to this digital age.
That’s why for the start of Bronx Week today, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the Bronx Community Foundation hosted a giveaway to provide seniors from the Bronx River Houses with desktop computers and Chromebooks to students from Mott Hall 5.
The seniors will even get help setting up their new desktops in their apartments. The students who received Chromebooks say not having to worry about technology means more time to focus on school.
According to the NYC Internet Master Plan, 18% of NYC residents have no internet access at home or at work and 40% are missing one or the other.