Alliance for Digital Equality Makes Computer Donation to Challengers Boys & Girls Club, Unveils Roadmap to Secure Affordable High Speed Internet in Every Los Angeles Home

ADE releases Los Angeles Digital Empowerment Council's findings on the impact of affordable broadband deployment in underserved communities

LOS ANGELES, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), the leading voice for affordable broadband deployment in underserved communities, gathered in Los Angeles today to donate 25 computers to the Challenger Boy & Girls Club, and present key findings by their Los Angeles Digital Empowerment Council about the state of affordable broadband deployment in America.  Based on these findings, ADE unveiled recommendations to increase broadband access in the Los Angeles area – high-speed Internet access is critical to enhancing education, public health, economic development and public safety.  

"In the wake of our economic crisis, communities all across America are hurting," said ADE Vice Chairman Emeritus Clarence Avant.  "Broadband is a recognized economic driver with the ability to increase access to healthcare, education, public safety, and economic development.  It is critical that we maintain and encourage greater affordability of this great tool as we work toward universal access."  

ADE donated 25 computers to the Learning Center—15 as replacements for old computers, and an additional 10 for members' use.  The additional and more up-to-date computers will enhance members' ability to engage in activities including typing skills, science activities, online games and tutorial programs.  Public-Private partnerships are a critical component to achieving the goal of affordable universal broadband for communities of color all over the country.  

Challengers Boys & Girls Club's Teen Technology Center is currently at the forefront of bridging the digital gap.  Thanks to ADE's donation, members are now armed with the tools to utilize technology to help with homework, develop resumes, research colleges or prepare for their standardized test-taking skills.  The center serves as a critical resource for many of the children who otherwise do not have access to computers or Internet at home or school.  

"Challengers Boys & Girls Club is tremendously grateful to the Alliance for Digital Equality for their generous donation," Challenger Boys & Girls Club Director of Development, Angela Winston said. "We applaud ADE for their mission and vision, and appreciate these resources that will provide valuable access to our global technological environment – something that has now become a necessity for economic survival and success, particularly in underserved and economically disadvantaged communities.  ADE's gift goes a long way towards helping close the 'digital divide' and creates viable opportunities to more than 2,500 at-risk boys and girls at Challengers that otherwise may have been left behind."

Los Angeles, like so many other cities in this great nation, has been severely impacted by the global economic crisis. Access to affordable high speed Internet will help prepare students for a 21st century economy and secure America's competitive edge in the global marketplace.    ADE's Los Angeles Digital Empowerment Council (DEC) will continue to advocate for affordable access on behalf of ADE and the children of Los Angeles, like those at Challengers Boys & Girls Club.  

The Los Angeles DEC's General Chairpersons include California State Senators Alex Padilla and Curren Price, and Entertainer, Sheila E.  The DEC membership includes a diverse group of local business and community leaders including representation from Tavis Smiley's office, KJLH Radio Station, the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, the National Black MBA Association, and the National Society of Black Engineers.  ADE's Los Angeles DEC is part of the a nationwide initiative that advocates for increased affordable broadband access and adoption, especially in urban and underserved communities.

The mission of ADE's DECs is to carefully examine the impact of broadband access on local communities, and to explore how expanded high speed Internet access will enhance opportunities for all Americans.  ADE currently has DECs in Washington, DC, Newark, Detroit, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Charleston, S.C., and will expand to four additional cities this year including San Diego, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Richmond.

ADE's findings and recommendations are available online at www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.

About The Alliance for Digital Equality

The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities.  The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.  For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.    

SOURCE Alliance for Digital Equality