The Race to Close the Digital Divide Works Toward Closing the Gap in California

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The Race to Close the Digital Divide is gearing up in California for its statewide campaign to promote computer literacy and internet use among under represented communities throughout the state. Working with faith based organizations around the state, the race educates families about economic, educational and social benefits of the internet and helps connect them to resources that break down the barriers of cost, equipment and literacy. The campaign has attracted the support of prominent state and national officials, as well as community and faith leaders committed to closing the digital divide. Supporters include California Assembly Speaker John A. Perez, former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown, Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Mark E. Whitlock, II, Director of Community Initiatives for USC Center for Religion and Civic Engagement. While the deployment and adoption of broadband technology is steadily increasing across the nation and within California, there still remains a vast difference in access among socio-economic groups, according to a 2011 Statewide Survey: Californians and Information Technology by the Public Policy Institute of California.