Community organization Neighborhood Allies partnered with computer-refurbishing company Computer Reach to source 1,000 refurbished laptops for families challenged by online learning. Pitt Digital assisted in sourcing and offsetting the cost of device chargers.
Women IT professionals at the University are invited to join Pitt Digital on the second Wednesday of every month for an interactive presentation that encourages learning and networking. Open to students, staff, and faculty who identify as women.
Since 2017, Pitt Digital has been involved with SADET—a project that creates a security-assured data science curriculum for local high schools to help students develop digital literacy skills and a desire to pursue data science during their college and professional careers.
Pennsylvania faces one of the United States’ lowest levels of digital literacy and connectivity, according to its Department of Labor and Industry. To address this issue, several coalitions have formed to address the issue at the city, county, and regional level, with Pitt serving as a core partner in all of them, providing backbone support for their efforts.
The Neighborhood Learning Alliance (NLA) helps students in underserved neighborhoods believe a college degree and career are within reach. NLA’s High School U program lets students enroll in college courses and gain paid work experience. Pitt Digital partnered with NLA for the Summer High School U track focused on tech careers, offering paid positions with the Endpoint Support team for six students.
The Greater Pittsburgh Digital Inclusion Alliance (GPDIA) is a network working to bridge the region’s digital divide. They formed the Pennsylvania Leading Equity Access Program (PA LEAP) and submitted a $16.8-million proposal to the NTIA for funding to expand digital access in 15 local counties, including 11 rural ones.
The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition (PDEC) brings together organizations to promote digital equity, with active participation from Pitt Digital and Pitt Engagement & Community Affairs. PDEC identified four areas of greatest need—affordable broadband, suitable devices, digital literacy, and accessible tech support—shaping GPDIA's PA LEAP grant proposal.
Pitt is also a part of the Keystone Internet Coalition (KIC), an informal coalition of nonprofits, agencies, and individuals working to achieve digital equity across all of Pennsylvania.
Each year, Pitt Cyber and Pitt Digital host the free, week-long Air Force Association CyberCamp for Pittsburgh-area high school students, covering cybersecurity, ethics, and career paths. Open to all skill levels, a portion of the spots are reserved for students in underserved communities. Learn more about the 2024 CyberCamp and one student’s journey to becoming a SCI student and Pitt Digital Cybersecurity student worker.
Pitt Digital is always at work supporting community partners and reimagining what's possible at Pitt with creativity, collaboration, and ingenuity.
Partnering with CAI Neurodiverse Solutions' Autism2Work initiative to create employment opportunities within Pitt Digital for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Working with the Office of Community and Government Relations and CMU to support the Mayor’s OnePGH Rec2Tech initiative—providing technology infrastructure and curriculum to advance technical skills of young people utilizing Pittsburgh’s recreation centers.
Serving as a technical advisor to New Granada Theater and help to set up computer classrooms and a Maker Space.
Partnering with Pitt School of Education and Microsoft to develop remote learning technology for local teachers.
Attending Virtual Career Day at Pittsburgh Millions and to speak about cybersecurity careers
