Digital Equity - Equity in Education Center of Washington

Someone standing at the front of the room talking to 3 people with laptops on the table behind them

Technology access is a basic human right

We work to ensure every Washingtonian has access to the internet, technology, and digital skills needed to thrive.

In today’s world, digital access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For Washingtonians, especially those in rural, low-income, and underserved communities, achieving digital equity is critical to ensuring access to education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation.

By investing in broadband expansion, device access, and digital literacy training, we are not just closing the digital divide, we’re creating pathways for lifelong success.

Closing the Digital Divide

The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent school closures have magnified and intensified existing inequities in our educational systems. One of the most significant issues was that many children could not access education during quarantine, a fundamental breach of our children’s right to an education. While school districts in wealthier and whiter neighborhoods were able to quickly transition to online learning, providing the necessary laptops and tablets to their students, kids from low-income communities and communities of color did not have the same access to the internet and technological hardware.

These digital inequities broadcast the separate and unequal education systems Washington state has designed. We need meaningful action and long-term investments from our local, county, and state governments so that every child can receive a high-quality education, even during an international emergency.

A Three-Pronged Approach

The Equity in Education Coalition is calling for public investments in:

Fast and affordable internet access
Devices and hardware for the whole family
Accessible and ongoing opportunities to advance digital skills

Woman Wearing Red and Black Checkered Blouse Using Macbook with another woman looking next to her

TechConnect

TechConnect is the nation’s first multi-cultural, multi-lingual technology helpdesk that tackles technological inequities.

A man standing at the from of a room talking to people sitting in chairs looking at a TV screen

ConnectWA

ConnectWA is a coalition of nonprofit organizations working on digital equity throughout the state to ensure our communities are connected.