HHF President and CEO, Antonio Tijerino spoke at a panel in Washington, DC. addressing Congressional members on the “Broadband Homework Gap” in low- income communities around the country.
A study done by Pew Research Center found that over 50% of teachers in low-income areas said their students lack of online access at home presents major challenges to working technology into their teaching, which is increasingly technology dependent.
This study also found that teachers said Hispanic parents were most difficult to communicate with about their children because of lack of access to technology, and not the language barrier. Entering the job market without access to technology puts these students at a serious disadvantage.
“Computer science can help youth build the skills necessary for success in school, workforce, and in life,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “Beyond preparing Latino youth for jobs in the tech industry, which America desperately needs, we also want to promote creativity, innovative thinking, problem-solving, and how to work with others to solve issues.”
Student’s access to all forms of technology are important day-to-day, and will continue to be necessary as they move forward into college and their careers.
Technology is required in more than 50% of jobs, and provides communities with a stronger form of communication, mobilization, a voice, and serves as an outlet for creativity.
HHF is working to pilot wiring buses in Montgomery County, Maryland with access to wifi.
With programs at HHF like Code as a Second Language (CSL) and the ESA LOFT Video Game Innovation Fellowship, youth and minorities are introduced to computer programming, and given access to year long LOFT opportunities. CSL is introducing and teaching computer coding in over 25 regions across the United States.
To learn more about our CSL initiative at HHF, check out our CSL Academy launches in Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon!
Through our leadership, HHF is having conversations with Congressional members on how they can partner with their local school districts in working together in closing the homework gap.
