Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 3.32 Create and recommend a digital literacy program
Connected, Engaged, & Inclusive Communities
Description
Digital Literacy is having the ability to create, evaluate, research, and communicate information effectively using technology. It is our goal to develop and implement a digital literacy program that empowers residents with the ability to use information technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate by growing their technical skillset. There is a portion of the community in Durham that lack education pertaining to digital literacy. With the rapid growth of technology today, it is crucial to learn and possess skills using technology proficiently. Expanding resident access to digital resources and community programs/ services will enhance the overall skillset of City of Durham residents.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Data represents the digital distress of households in Durham. One of the most important metrics that the state is still unable to report on is digital literacy/skills. However, there are other variables that can be used as proxies for adoption itself, as well as, potential to adopt.
There is a broadband availability and quality index that accounts for (8) variables that can contribute or undermine and there is also the broadband adoption potential index that accounts for (11) variables that can increase or decrease correlations.
· Percent population with access to 25/3 (+)
· Percent households with no internet access (-)
· Percent households with no computing devices (-)
Why is it important?
Digital literacy and Internet connectivity are "social determinants of health" because they address all aspects of well-being for a person trying to succeed in our Durham society. For example, applications for employment, housing, and other assistance programs, each of which influences an individual's health and overall well-being, are increasingly, and sometimes exclusively, accessible online. The costs of equipping a person to use the Internet are substantially lower than treating health conditions that may be incurred by the lack of access to basic digital engagement portals. As the City of Medicine, our ability to improve digital literacy skills and access are valuable and necessary tools to reduce disparities and improve the outcomes that lead to economic mobility for under resourced and underrepresented populations in Durham. (Source: NPJ Digital Medicine, 2021; "Digital Inclusion as a social determinant of health", 4:52. Published online 2021 March 17.)
What have we been doing?
The Technology Solutions Digital Inclusion Services division has launched the Annual Digital Literacy Asset Inventory Survey to identify key stakeholders within the community who can help support our mission to bridge the digital divide. We have also created and published the Digital Inclusion | Durham, NC website, which provides residents and partners with information about available resources in the community. Additionally, we have partnered with the Durham Housing Authority to become a ConnectHome USA Tier 2 Community, which will allow access to a range of resources and support to enhance our digital inclusion efforts.
Through our ongoing partnership with Kramden Institute, we have fully executed a contract for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project - Digital Literacy Training and Computers. The City has made an initial upfront payment of 20% ($62,720) of the total agreement funds ($313,600), enabling Kramden to hire a Project Coordinator, develop a project implementation plan, and organize Community Technology Instructor training. This initiative includes the City of Durham’s sponsorship of digital literacy training and access to devices, ensuring that residents have the essential digital tools they need.
Additionally, we participated in the kickoff meeting for the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy (ODEL) Champion Grant, which was awarded in collaboration with Central Pines Regional Council and Chatham County. This partnership further strengthens regional efforts to promote digital inclusion. The Digital Inclusion Services team supports stakeholders, assists with recruiting training participants from target populations, and engages in partner meetings. The awarded funds to the City of Durham of $25,000 will be used to purchase approximately 100 computers for public governmental facilities, providing additional training opportunities even after the grant period ends. The laptops are estimated to cost $250 each.
What's next?
The Digital Inclusion Services team has several key initiatives planned, including facilitating ARPA sponsorship for the Digital Literacy Training and Computer project. Our team plans to launch the inaugural City Department Digital Literacy Survey, pending approval from the Office of Performance & Innovation (OPI) team. This human-centered survey is designed to assess the digital literacy needs of City of Durham employees and facilitate the development of essential digital literacy skills. Additionally, we aim to establish guidelines and standards for digital literacy programs by leveraging our partnerships and relationships with the Digital Durham coalition.
Community engagement remains at the forefront of the Digital Inclusion Services team. To strengthen our efforts, we plan to co-facilitate community listening sessions to hear directly from Durham residents about their digital needs, including access to devices and digital literacy skills.
Also, we will continue to schedule and conduct meetings with community-based stakeholders to explore potential partnerships and support community-based organizations in their digital equity efforts, further expanding digital inclusion throughout Durham.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division