Contest Hopes To Bridge Digital Divide By Growing Computer Access And Literacy

credit: Fotopedia

If you have an idea for a project that would improve the lives of people in Massachusetts' Essex County, you have until March 23 to submit it.

Up to 10 finalists will be selected to pitch their proposals to judges on April 27; the three or four winners will share in $10,000 in prize money and free mentoring and other support to implement their plans in the summer and fall, the Boston Globe reports.

"The aim is to come up with some really great projects that address the digital divide in Essex County," says the associate director of Innovation Hub Haverhill, which is administering the Digital Equity Challenge.

Among the ideas being considered: teaching seniors how to use telehealth services, creating new community WiFi areas, and providing digital devices for young children to do their school work remotely.

The challenge is being funded by the Massachusetts Community Foundation, which last June launched a three-year effort to connect 15,000 Essex County residents with free or affordable Internet access, teach digital skills to 1,000 individuals and business owners, and provide 5,000 county residents with reliable devices.

The foundation is funding the $10,000 prize money and other contest expenses.

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