Digital Equity
Investing in a Bright Future for ALL Learners Through Systemic Inclusion
2021 Annual New Hampshire Summit on Systemic Inclusion
Opening Remarks
“Systemic Inclusion: Building a High-Skill, High-Wage Inclusive Economy,” Dr. Robert McLaughlin, executive director, National Collaborative for Digital Equity (NCDE)
Keynote
“Aligning Educational and Philanthropic Investments for Economic Opportunity and Vitality”, Kimelyn Harris, senior vice president for environment, social, governance and public policy, Bank of America. Introductory remarks by Kristy Merrill, president, New Hampshire Bankers Association.
“I truly believe we have an opportunity to alter the balance of impact and outcomes by changing the paradigm that currently defines the relationship banks have with community stakeholders. Traditionally banks are seen as a primary source of capital, investment and philanthropy. And while I believe that is absolutely true and appropriate it often results in limiting our engagement to ribbon cuttings and check presentations. As an industry, we have a depth of resources that most community organizations could only dream of having. From bricks and mortar, to human capital, to cutting edge technology and data capabilities, our potential contributions remain largely underutilized. The potential for banks to be a convener, an incubator, a recruiter, a financial literacy resource, even a cultural focal point could take us well beyond ribbon cuttings and check presentations. As a financial institution in this community I would encourage you to step into this work that has already begun. Our financial contributions provide the traction but standing shoulder to shoulder is where community happens.”
Jim Robbins
Community Development and CRA Officer
Bangor Savings Bank
NCDE Article Featured in “Teacher Librarian”
Download “On Systemic Digital Equity, Systemic Inclusion, and the Teacher Librarian in the Pandemic Era, Part II” Here
“IN THE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY, IT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND OUT ABOUT LIVING WAGE JOBS, APPLY FOR THEM, AND QUALIFY FOR THEM WITHOUT DIGITAL ACCESS AND SKILLS.”
THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO…
Our Commitment
Our members share the conviction that digital equity initiatives should foster significant gains not only in access to digital tools but also in educational and economic opportunity for low-income learners of all ages, by drawing on best practices from such diverse fields as P12 technology integration, community reinvestment, educational equity, workforce development, and economic development.