Our future depends on fixing the digital divide
The digital revolution has done many great things for improving the world. We have moved so fast, but there is still a lot of work left ahead of us. That is a responsibility that the leaders of our country should consider. We can definitely do way better in guaranteeing a great future for our next generations. This will come with an equality of opportunities in education and access to technology.
Some of the biggest tech companies in the world are from the United States. Ironically, in this same country still exist a divide when it comes to access information, especially in schools. Imagine all the opportunities that are lost for a young student because he didn’t had the same access as a student from across the state. The same thing goes for a possible breakthrough, that kid might that did not got the opportunity could have been the next genius that revolutionized the world, once again.
This gap in technology must be fixed as soon as possible because if not, some students will not have the same opportunities to develop the skills that will be needed in the upcoming years. According to the United States Department of Labor, by the year 2020, 77% of stateside jobs will be tied to having computer skills.
¿How can this be fixed? I think that tech companies and students as well, should be incentivized. Maybe give tech companies a tax break if they provide computers made for educational purposes at a really low or at no cost, as well as workshops in disadvantaged areas. Students can be encouraged to learn the ins and outs of computers and to start coding. Maybe do better internships and mentorships programs.