Delete The Divide
During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital resources, such as laptops, tablets, and broadband internet, were critical for continuing day-to-day activities during times of social distancing, curfews, and stay at home orders. People needed technology to manage remote work, participate in distance learning, socialize, and attend telehealth and social service appointments. Unfortunately, those with limited access to digital resources were disproportionately impacted by negative consequences, resulting in job loss, school absences, and less access to healthcare and other important services.
The County’s Internal Services Department recognized these concerns as an equity issue and responded by offering digital resources and training through its Delete The Divide (DTD) Initiative, enabling LA County residents to continue daily living and providing access to job opportunities during these unprecedented times. Resources offered included:
- Free laptop for households in need;
- Job opportunities through its Technology Professional Internship program;
- Free DTD membership and IT certificates from Google; and
- Small business support, such as digital marketing consultation/services.
As part of the Initiative, DTD enhanced the County’s ability to respond to community needs in real time. It placed Technology Professional Interns in LA County Libraries, who assisted with people’s questions regarding digital literacy, and deployed Interns to the Departments of Consumer and Business Affairs and Aging and Disabilities centers to teach seniors and youth digital skills training. DTD also collaborated with community-based organizations to host community resources events to promote its services. In all these settings, the Interns not only provided hands-on support to residents, but DTD staff also had numerous opportunities to hear and respond to community needs in innovative ways. DTD even participated in the wildfire emergency response by helping resident whose homes burned down with free laptops, so they could file insurance claims, file documents, communicate with family, and search for housing.
DTD staffed over 280 Technology Professional Interns from September 2022 to December 2024. Of this group of Interns, 140 reported being prepared to embark upon full-time work (those who were not enrolled in school), and 42 Technology Professional Interns were hired for full-time positions.
Below is a video testimonial from the community, highlighting the powerful impact Delete The Divide made in the lives of Angelenos.