Like Solid Ground, Verizon is committed to supporting neighbors and building community – and since 2006, they’ve been a crucial supporter of our work through major program grants and event sponsorships totaling more than $206K to date!
We’re also on the same page in understanding that the digital divide (i.e., unequal access to technology and STEM education) perpetuates inequity in our communities – particularly for communities of color and domestic violence (DV) survivors. This is why we prioritize increasing our program participants’ access to updated devices and software, internet connectivity, and digital literacy classes.
In May 2019, a $10K Verizon Foundation pilot grant enabled Solid Ground to increase tech resources at our residential buildings. The pilot was such a success that in 2020, a $100K Verizon Digital Literacy grant will help us take our Technology Access & Digital Literacy Program efforts to the next level, bolstering the new computer lab on our Sand Point Housing (SPH) campus in Magnuson Park, updating devices at our Broadview residence for DV survivors, decreasing engagement barriers for our participant-led accountability groups, and strengthening our agency’s digital literacy curriculum.
With Verizon’s support, we plan to remove barriers to access, connectivity, and digital literacy so residents and participants from historically underserved communities can access new opportunities. Thank you, Verizon, for creating better access to tech resources to reduce the digital divide!
Want to build a partnership with us? Contact Corporate Giving Officer Phoenica Zhang at 206.694.6852 or phoenicaz@solid-ground.org.
Verizon shone brightly as a major 2018 Solid Ground events sponsor (photo by Liz Reed Hawk)
Image at top: The Verizon-funded computer lab on Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing campus gives hundreds of residents of all ages access to internet resources.
Lhorna Murray says
This is AMAZING… Thanks Verizon! Also Super duper impressed by the mindfulness & intent that SG staff has put into this work here…especially in re: to cultivating some really relevant & thoughtful programming opportunities!
I’ve heard really great things about the computer classes recently provided to adults on campus. Wish I’d taken one!
Much of this praise has been from neighbors who also happen to be immigrants —it’s so awesome to see this inclusion & note this programming also means language barriers are reduced through this tech too!
The class my immediate (next door) neighbor was in has really boosted her self confidence —she’s always been a smart cookie, so seeing her increased chances @learning/developing new skills is everything<3.
Brings the community a lot of joy when we get to witness some really inspirational personal growth happening.
GREAT WORK SG!
I know it’s a big ask, but sure hoping Verizon considers a long term commitment! Ongoing funding could mean enough resources to create an adult computer lab on the Magnuson campus (for adults living in the Brett1/2/3 bldgs). This would be such a great resource for job applications, online classes, ESL skill building, adult class homework success, community building/pride, more self sufficiency, & more.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Thanks for your thoughts, Lhorna; I’ll pass this on to the fundraising team.
Azmeena Hasham says
THANK YOU from Verizon, Lhorna! We love to hear positive stories and share your high regard for Solid Ground.