News Summary
As the school year begins, Detroit is confronting challenges related to technology access for students amidst a significant digital divide. With 13% of households lacking internet access, the Detroit Public Schools Community District is providing devices, and the community is launching new initiatives to enhance digital inclusion, offering resources and support to residents in need.
Detroit is addressing concerns over technology access for students and families as the school year begins, highlighting the challenges posed by the ongoing digital divide. Many families in the city struggle with insufficient technology, which is crucial for educational pursuits, especially as remote learning remains prevalent in various forms.
Approximately 13% of Detroit households do not subscribe to the internet, further complicating access for students who rely on this resource for their studies. To combat these issues, the Detroit Public Schools Community District provides devices such as tablets for prekindergarten through second grade and laptops for grades three through twelve. These devices can be taken home for homework, although the availability of this service may differ across schools.
Each device issued by the district includes a charger and warranty, allowing for replacements in cases of damage—once for laptops and up to twice for tablets—without cost to families. However, devices must be returned at the end of each school year. Homeschooled students are also able to procure laptops by scheduling appointments for pickup.
For adults, the Detroit Public Library offers a borrowing system where individuals with library cards can check out laptops for up to 60 days, with an option to renew if there are no outstanding waitlists. Each borrowed laptop benefits users with essential software such as Microsoft Office, along with hardware components including a camera, microphone, speakers, and a USB flash drive. It is important to note that lost or damaged library laptops come with a replacement fee of $500.
Additions to the tech landscape include Human-I-T, which sells low-cost laptops starting at $129.99, while also providing digital literacy training and tech support for eligible individuals. Qualification for this assistance requires that individuals have an annual income below 200% of the federal poverty level or that they participate in government assistance programs.
In addition to purchasing options, local businesses such as All About Technology offer affordable repairs for damaged devices along with pickup services. Another service, Up and Running PC’s, provides laptop repairs at a charge of $50 plus parts and sells refurbished devices accompanied by a 30-day warranty.
As for tech repairs, the nearest Apple store is located within the Somerset Collection mall in Troy, while iFixit provides resources and parts for individuals who may choose to repair their devices independently.
New Initiatives to Foster Digital Access
To enhance technology access and support for residents, the city is launching Motor City Tech Bars, which provide free tech support and repair services at various community locations. Additionally, pilot Motor City Tech Labs are set up in certain branches of the Detroit Public Library, where residents can receive computer access and training.
Relaunching efforts, Connect 313 is reinstating eight Neighborhood Technology and Resource Hubs throughout Detroit. These hubs aim to assist residents in accessing technology and education, offering a digital skills curriculum developed in collaboration with Accenture. Courses include fundamental computer skills, resume building, and specialized job training targeted toward enhancing career prospects.
Previously, Connect 313 has served over 29,000 residents as it continues to strengthen partnerships aimed at bridging the digital divide in the city. With the recent initiatives, there are now a total of 17 technology hubs established across Detroit, ensuring that residents can access vital digital resources in their communities.
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Additional Resources
- Bridge Detroit: Where to Find Free & Low-Cost Computers in Detroit
- Google Search: Detroit technology access
- Michigan Central: Support for Detroit’s Thriving Ecosystem
- Wikipedia: Digital Divide
- Detroit Chamber: Expands Digital Access with Connect 313
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Digital Divide
- Click On Detroit: Detroit Expands Access to Free Tech Support
- Google News: Detroit digital hubs
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
