Digital Equity: Philadelphia launches Power Up Tech Corps

Philadelphia's Office of Innovation and Technology launched a one-year Power Up Tech Corps pilot to place volunteers at community hubs teaching digital skills, and the program aims to place more than 30 volunteers across at least 10 partner sites.

Philadelphia's Office of Innovation and Technology has launched the Power Up Tech Corps, a one-year pilot volunteer program to expand digital skills in the community. The pilot will place volunteers at community hubs such as recreation centers, libraries and other city sites to help residents learn basic and intermediate digital skills. Two open cohorts — youth ages 14–17 and adults — will undergo screening, orientation and training before placement, and volunteers will have access to networking events and career-building experiences. OIT says the program is intended to complement its existing digital equity initiatives. Program details: - The one-year pilot aims to place more than 30 volunteers across at least 10 partner sites. - Volunteer roles include computer lab monitors, classroom aides supporting Digital Navigators, and digital skills instructors using OIT's curriculum. - Two cohorts are open: youth (ages 14–17) and adults; cohort members undergo screening, orientation and training. - The program complements OIT initiatives including free Digital Navigator classes, public Wi‑Fi at select recreation and older adult centers, parks and libraries, and a monthly laptop giveaway called the Power Up Tour. - Philadelphia CIO Melissa Scott described the effort as focusing on digital empowerment and broadening resident access to technology. Summary: The Power Up Tech Corps adds volunteer capacity to Philadelphia's existing digital equity efforts and is aimed at expanding resident access to technology. The pilot will proceed over the coming year with volunteer placements and training. Other recent developments in the digital equity space noted in the reporting include an NTIA listening session on BEAD non-deployment funding, a Digitunity report showing about 1 in 10 U.S. residents lack a computer, and a new Massachusetts Broadband Institute infrastructure dashboard.