In our society today, internet is a key component of how we communicate and learn. But as we rely more on the internet and computer technology as necessities, a digital divide has become apparent.

About one-fifth of children in America don’t have internet access, according to the Purdue Center for Regional Development. Those who live in poverty are less likely to have internet access. In fact, 43% of households with an income under $30,000/year do not have high-speed internet, according to the Pew Research Center.

This is detrimental to children’s quality of life because it limits their opportunities to learn, complete homework assignments, or get into a good school. For adults, not having technology skills or internet access means it’s harder to find a good-paying job, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Metro United Way and its nonprofit partner, the Animus Foundation, are working to build a more equitable community by expanding access to technology and technology education.

The Animus Foundation’s executive director and co-founder, Jason Chodyniecki, is also a Director of IT at UPS. He said the idea for Animus first came to him because he was struggling to find talent to fill open positions.

“And then when we did find someone to be in those positions, they all looked like me,” he explained.

Looking into the reasons for that, Chodyniecki and his colleagues realized there was a major digital divide in Louisville.

“There were complete areas that didn’t have access to technology or technology education, or anything as simple as internet,” he said.

Animus got to work with a team of volunteers to complete technology projects at organizations that serve the community. Their clients might need a new printer or laptop, training on certain equipment, or the most widespread need: getting internet access to all parts of a building.

Animus found the need was great, but as a volunteer-led organization, the foundation initially struggled to find consistent funding to complete projects.

Until they had a discussion with Metro United Way during a grant application process that led to more than $100,000 in investments over the past few years.

“Metro United Way has been the key enabler, a tremendous partner, to allow us to fulfill our mission,” Chodyniecki said.

Since the partnership began, Animus and Metro United Way have completed projects at more than 15 nonprofits including La Casita Center, Wesley House, and the Delta Foundation.

All the organizations are part of Metro United Way’s Youth Success Network, meaning they serve young people, something that’s important to the Animus Foundation’s goals. Through this work, hundreds of children have benefited because the projects are transformational for the nonprofits who provide after school care and other educational services.

Reliable internet access enables programming of all kinds, increasing each organization’s capacity to serve children and the community. It also allows for education around essential technology skills that can improve one’s quality of life.

At La Casita Center, Animus and Metro United Way expanded network access and bandwidth, allowing them to become a hub for community events and social services.

“The technology divide can increase inequality when we’re talking about education, getting a better job, or getting into a good school,” Eva Melissa Astudillo from La Casita Center said. “We’re developing technology skills while also serving families in our community. It’s been a gamechanger.”

This work to address Louisville’s digital divide is not only key to a more equitable community, but it also builds strong households and supports thriving kids – Metro United Way’s priorities.

As previously stated, the Animus partnership focuses on helping youth-serving organizations in Metro United Way’s Youth Success Network. To learn more about that work, click or tap here.