Digital Equity: Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood While Learning How to Use Technology
Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco is expanding the Digital Equity Program, which is designed to help all, especially those in underserved neighborhoods of San Francisco, who are unaware of, or need help understanding the digital platforms and/or access used within the education ecosystem of San Francisco.
The Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco Digital Equity Outreach Associate, Maurice, visits schools, libraries, and any venues that may be available for us to present workshops for parents and/or the public to receive training on information about mobile apps and digital systems. The San Francisco Public Library has been very open and responsive to Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco engaging on a consistent basis. This is not only an opportunity to provide workshops but also get people involved with the library system which offers many other programs such as e-books, language tools, accessibility tools and college prep and cultural events! (Include link to SF Public Library)
Maurice is a people person and enjoys chatting with anyone, especially fellow parents in San Francisco. He has a passion for “building community and giving people knowledge and access to tools that make their life easier and efficient. Everyone can benefit from having more time, but even more so when they are a parent.”
Parents and members of the community can inquire about teaming up with the Parent Embassy Program which is a part of Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco. As a parent ambassador/leader, they can join training workshops to help present workshops to those in their community. If they prefer to only receive the workshop information, they can look for dates/times that PPSSF or members of the Parent Embassy will be hosting workshops throughout the San Francisco area.
Given that most systems are moving toward digital faster than the general population has adapted in using all digital systems, including those with limited and/or no access to consistent, reliable Internet, this program hopes to reduce the gaps in these areas. Equity is the process of putting everyone on an equal playing field. Eventually, if everyone has the same knowledge and skills using these digital platforms, there will be no unfair advantage across the board. We hope to have classes spanning all areas of Digital Access within our educational ecosystem. This includes classes on using email and online calendars, providing free or low-cost internet access to neighborhoods with limited or no access, navigating the SFUSD enrollment process, and the SF Rec & Parks digital platform for classes, camps and various digital platforms for transportation. Stay tuned for more updates and book workshops with Maurice here:
Check out our interview with Maurice down below!
Can you describe the Digital Equity program for those who don’t know?
The Digital Equity Program is designed to help all, especially those in disadvantaged populations of San Francisco, who are unaware or need help understanding the digital platforms and/or access used within the ecosystem of San Francisco Unified School District.
You are out on the streets of San Francisco for much of your work. Where are you visiting to promote this program?
As the Digital Equity Outreach Associate, I visit schools, libraries, and any venues that may be available for us to present workshops for parents and/or the public to receive training on information about mobile apps and digital systems.
What is one encounter you have had which you find particularly intriguing/moving?
The San Francisco Public Library has been very open and responsive to Parents for Public Schools re-engaging on a consistent basis, as was the case before COVID-19 restrictions. This is not only an opportunity to provide workshops, but also get people involved with the library system which has many other things, such as community events, to offer families than just books for checkout.
What is the best part of your work?
Building community and giving people knowledge/access to tools that make their life easier and efficient. Everyone can benefit from having more time, but even more so when they are a parent.
How can people get involved with is program?
Parents and members of the community can inquire about teaming up with the Parent Embassy Program that is a part of Parents for Public Schools. As a parent ambassador/leader, they can join training workshops to help present workshops to those in their community. If they prefer to only receive the workshop information, they can look out for dates/times that we (Parents for Public Schools) or members of the Parent Embassy will be hosting workshops throughout the San Francisco city area.
What are the benefits of this program for parents and fostering equity in all neighborhoods of San Francisco?
Being that most systems are moving to be digital faster than the general population has adapted how to use all digital systems, including those with limited and/or no access to consistent, reliable Internet, this program hopes to reduce the gap(s) in these areas. Equity is the process of putting everyone on an equal playing field. So, if everyone, eventually, has the same knowledge and skills using these digital platforms, there will be no disadvantage or advantage across the board.
What are your hopes for the Digital Equity program and your work moving forward?
We have support and workshops spanning all areas of Digital Access within the education ecosystem including, but not limited to, classes in the following areas:
Support to navigate district platforms that address Enrollment, Transfers, and Inter-District Permits
Support to navigate district platforms features and access to nutrition
Scheduling/Calendaring using Outlook and/or Google Calendar
Low Cost/No Cost Internet and/or Cell Phone Service
SF Rec & Parks digital platform for classes/camps and various digital platforms for transportation