Equitable Internet Initiative

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What is EII?

The Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) will accelerate outreach, training and wireless broadband Internet sharing on the neighborhood level in Detroit. The program’s mission is to ensure that more Detroit residents have the ability to leverage online access and digital technology for social and economic development.

The goals of this initiative are to:

  • Increase Internet access through the distribution of shared Gigabit Internet connections in three underserved neighborhoods
  • Increase Internet adoption through a Digital Stewards training program that prepares residents of those same neighborhoods with the skills necessary to bring their communities online
  • Increase pathways for youth into the opportunities of Detroit’s burgeoning Innovation District through intermediate and advanced digital literacy trainings

Learn more about the partners and anchor organizations

A group of around 10 people sitting at a table with books, with Diana standing next to the table teaching

EII Programs

The Equitable Internet Initiative consists of two training programs to meet this challenge/opportunity: Digital Stewards Training and Next Generation Gigabit App Development.

Digital Stewards (DS) program

The Digital Stewards program trains neighborhood leaders in the technical and community organizing skills necessary to redistribute Gigabit Internet connections and bring their communities online.

Next Gen Apps program

The Next Gen Apps program will train high school and middle school youth in web development skills for the Gigabit environment.