On the Tuesday edition of “Closer Look,” Chief Diversity Officer of Visa Michelle Gethers discusses Visa’s initiative to provide up to 1,000 individuals and small businesses in the area with technological access through its Digital Empowerment program.
In partnership with national nonprofit Human-I-T, Visa has begun to provide training, equipment and tech to individuals and families in need. Through outreach with local nonprofits and community-based organizations, the group aims to combat the growing digital divide among low-income people and communities of color.
According to Gethers, 15% of Atlanta households do not have access to a computer. Lack of access to the digital financial economy contributes to the lasting effects of generational poverty and limits equitable access to the digital economy. The initiative will primarily serve low-income groups with a demonstrated need for access to technology.
The Digital Empowerment program aims to foster financial education and financial inclusion to elevate economic mobility and provide wraparound services including tech support and skills training within the community.
“If we do not address this, we will see growing poverty because of exclusion and lack of access,” said Gethers. “We really try to think about this holistically and [utilize] a wraparound approach to closing the digital divide.”
