Exclusion from access to the Internet, including high speed connectivity, can have profound repercussions for those on the wrong side of the digital divide. Those without access are disadvantaged in today’s digital society, facing challenges conducting business, accessing health information, gathering research, looking for employment, learning, completing school assignments, securing government services or even communicating on a day-to-day basis.

The Digital Divide is real in Kansas City and the surrounding communities. The consequences of living without access to the internet and the skills required to use it are alarming. Consider the following:

Many employers require online job applications

Social Security information is moving to online-only access

Accessing the Health Insurance Marketplace requires a device and an Internet connection

Schools increasingly rely on electronic tools to educate our children

The Internet keeps people connected to their friends and family

A connection to the Internet leads to greater success finding employment

We want to ensure that all members of our community are digitally included. Read more about digital inclusion »

sources:Google - The State of Internet Connectivity in KCPew Research Internet Project - The State of Digital Divides

How Bad is it?

70% of children in the Kansas City

School District do not have

Internet access in the home 17% of Kansas Citians do not use

the Internet

44% 46% 42% 64% are 65 and

older are African

American make

$25K a

year have high

school

education

or less

Why don't people use the Internet?

Don't need or want it

It is too expensive

Do not have a reliable computer

sources: Google - The State of Internet Connectivity in KC. Pew Research Internet Project - The State of Digital Divides

How You Can Help

Volunteer your time and expertise

Donate used computers

Make a donation to the Digital Inclusion Alliance

Help spread the word about this important issue

Join the Coalition Now »

Selected Research on the Digital Divide