2. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Pitt IT’s role in the pursuit of digital equity is to ensure fair and equitable access for all Pennsylvanians. We work closely with the Office of Engagement & Community Affairs, and Government Relations, and state and regional partners to deliver broadband to underserved areas, foster digital literacy, facilitate workforce development, expand access to computing devices, and more.

Our efforts to bridge the digital divide support the Plan for Pitt by advancing collaboration with communities near and far to improve outcomes and opportunities for their residents.

The University’s commitment to digital equity and bridging the digital divide in our region was recently recognized by Technical.ly, which selected the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition as their “Tech Community Leader of the Year.” Pitt’s inclusion was due to the strong digital equity work of Engagement and Community Affairs, Pitt IT, and SCI.

Broadband and Digital Equity

Pitt IT participated in a variety of local/regional digital equity-related coalitions and working groups, resulting in the University having a seat in many high-profile discussions around broadband equity in the state. These include AgeWell Pittsburgh’s Digital Inclusion Advisory Committee, the Greater Pittsburgh Digital Inclusion Alliance (GPDIA), the Pennsylvania Digital Equity Coalition (PASDEC), and the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition (PDEC). We also developed a set of recommendations to inform the creation of a plan for statewide broadband equity with the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s Stakeholder Engagement Working Group.

"Pitt IT has been a consistent, thoughtful, and respected partner in our digital equity work. We look forward to our continued partnership and utilizing the expertise Pitt IT offers as we make ‘Intrnet for All’ a reality in the Commonwealth.” 

- Julia Brinjac, Digital Equity Program Manager, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority

IT 101 Course

In partnership with the Hill District Community Engagement Center, Pitt IT taught high school students IT fundamentals and helped them to explore potential career opportunities. The redesigned course, formerly called Bridges to IT, resulted in a 300% increase in participation over the last year.

"IT 101 was such a success at the CEC last spring! The passion that the instructors had for teaching the students really ignited something in them ... I’m really eager to keep building this program and future programs with Pitt IT.” 

- Marlo Hall, Outreach Coordinator, Hill District Community Engagement Center