At the Oak Hill Collaborative we’re dedicated to bridging the Digital Divide in the Mahoning Valley. Our mission is to empower residents through our Digital Advantage Initiative®, fight for broadband affordability and accessibility, provide free computer education and training, and ensure affordable technology through our Hardware 4 Homes Program.
Youngstown was ranked 2nd worst city in Ohio for broadband connectivity in 2021. Learn More from the Eastgate Regional Council for Government here.
How the Digital Advantage Initiative® Works
The Digital Advantage is our solution to bridge the Digital Divide. It is a three-part problem, the first part being lack of affordable and usable internet, the second is a lack of affordable and efficient devices like laptops, and the last is a lack of skills and education to boost community knowledge.
Part One | Reduce Cost of Internet
Speak on the committees that matter – and get internet to those who need it most by working directly with Internet Service Providers
Part Two | Increase Technology Access
Internet is useless without a way to utilize it! Provide those in need with usable devices for online necessities
Part Three | Educate and Inform
Spread digital skills in a way that educates, informs, increases awareness, and promotes the digital well-being of our community
The final stretch with the Digital Divide is putting the leg work in to improve the skill sets of our communities with broad backgrounds. Acknowledging the different starting points, we deliver more than 70+ different classes for free, either by ourselves or in collaboration with other organizations.
