Plus, a startup rebrands + MD crushes inno list.
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| | | | Chromebook conundrum? The idea of digital equity, while undoubtedly important throughout the world, is particularly relevant to our deeply segregated city, where 40% of households lack wireline internet. Fortunately, many residents and institutions have taken the local government's goal of ending Baltimore's digital divide by 2030 quite seriously. For instance, the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition and Enoch Pratt Free Library recently announced that Dell Technologies donated 1,000 Chromebooks for students in the library system's programs. According to a press release, the library system will also create an education program for children and families to learn how to best use these devices for accessing the library's free services. They'll receive the computers after completing this course, per the statement. The idea that influential institutions partnered to provide city residents with free computers and digital literacy training is worth celebrating. At the same time, this announcement raises some uncomfortable questions about intentions and impact. Should companies like Dell be doing more to bridge the digital divide than giving out laptops? Does this make a reasonable dent when nearly 96,000 residents can't even link these computers to wireline internet at home? How will the Free Library even know if the Chromebooks are reaching those who need them most? What's stopping anybody from grabbing a laptop and selling it? Have we better solutions than depending on the fickle generosity of tech giants who, based at least on their market value, could probably do more if they wanted? If you have any thoughts on these or any other possible conundrums that this program raises, let us know by replying to this email or sending a note to baltimore@technical.ly. — Technical.ly editor Sameer Rao (sameer@technical.ly) | | | | | Top Stories | | By A report from WalletHub measuring all 50 states and DC found that the district and its surrounding states boast high numbers of STEM professionals, tech companies and other components that make them more innovative than much of the US. Read more » By Yes, you can get a free degree through your job if you work for the right company — with caveats. Here's how it works at 10+ that offer the perk. Read more » By CEO Alexander Miles said he wants the startup, a Techstars Equitech Accelerator alum that previously focused on student athletes, to connect all disadvantaged youth to better opportunities. Read more » By Leaders of Rowdy Orb.it, PCs for People and Project Waves joined a local legislator on a virtual panel that explored the best ways to confront digital inequity in Maryland's largest city. Read more » | Blast from the past A broadband consultant is the first step, but what's the way forward, and the reason, for an expansion of the city-owned fiber network? Read more » | Your Job in Tech Search all open jobs and hiring companies Featured Jobs The Staff Engineer serves as an expert on staff by setting technical direction and providing mentorship for engineers on our team. Work at SmartLogic is organized by project. Each project is...Find out more » We are looking for a Software Developer with a demonstrated track record in the planning, implementation, testing, and maintenance of custom software using Ruby on Rails or Elixir....Find out more » Security, energy management, asset protection, and automation efficiencies… these are a few of our favorite things. STRATIS IoT is actively seeking an experienced and passionate Principal...Find out more » This Week in Jobs No more streaming from your old roommate’s cousin’s account. Read more » SUBSCRIBE to TWIJ Post a Job Get a Job | Events May 23 to May 25 / 08:00 am to 06:00 pm / Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Washington, DC Find out more » Apr 27 to Apr 29 / 09:00 am to 03:30 pm / Virtual Find out more » Apr 4 to Apr 9 / 12:00 am to 05:00 pm / Online & 3675 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Find out more » View all events Promote your event | | |
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