Announcing First Tech Fund, an organization dedicated to closing the digital divide in New York City

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light shortcomings in providing students equitable access to learning. Students in our communities, especially in NYC, are falling behind due to a lack of personal technology. 

When over 1 million New York City public school students shifted to remote learning in mid-March, not all students had access to a personal computer or a Wi-Fi connection. The city estimated that 300,000 students would need technology devices to work remotely, but they were only able to provide 25,000 devices within the first couple weeks. That meant that thousands of students were left without the ability to access their classes. With potential budget cuts coming down the line, we knew there was no better time to act.

First Tech Fund will work to find Corporate and Community Partners to help us provide at least 50 NYC 9th-12th graders with the technologies to access online learning by the start of the school year, starting in 2020-2021. First Tech Fund Fellows will be invited to be a part of an ongoing group of students across the five NYC boroughs. We hope that the students are not only able to learn in their school setting, but also benefit from our non-traditional academic programming that guides them toward a variety of opportunities they can take advantage of. What we know from experience is that you can’t pursue careers or passions if you don’t know they exist. With technology at home, students will also be able to build community with one another, especially during a time where social isolation is at a peak. 

In addition, First Tech Fund will support Fellows by providing information about different programs to pursue to strengthen their resumes and their ability to pursue their interests. Whether helping with a program application or by pointing them to the program that fits best to what they’re trying to do, we’ll be there to support them along the way. 

We’re starting our fundraising today, to provide students with laptops and hotspots for this upcoming school year. If you’re interested in learning more about our mission, program, or want to partner with us, feel free to reach out to us at josue@firsttechfund.com or visit firsttechfund.com for more information.

Josue De Paz, CEO & Co-Founder

Hana Seligman, COO & Co-Founder

@FirstTechFund