By Corey Nash, USCM Intern
July 14, 2008

Digital literacy is defined as the ability to utilize and comprehend basic computer concepts and skills, and is a skill'set that is necessary for understanding, growth, and success in today’s society. On June 20, a panel discussion was held to highlight the economic impact that digital literacy can have on a workforce. Participants in the panel discussion included newly-elected Conference President Miami Mayor Manny A. Diaz, Microsoft Senior Director of Economic Development and Innovation Maria Wynne, Conference Advisory Board Chair Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Workforce, Jobs, and Education and the Workforce Vice Chair Tulsa Mayor Kathryn L. Taylor, and Mayor of San Pedro Garza Garcia in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico Fernando Margain Berlanga.

Wynne, moderator for the discussion, stated, "If a city’s workforce is digitally illiterate, they will disenfranchise. Technology is changing on a consistent basis allowing entire countries to advance their workforce and economy. Goods and services are becoming readily available globally. India and China are leading examples of how digital literacy opens doors of opportunity. Up to 70 percent of jobs in the next five to seven years will require a computer and some type of digital literacy." The importance of digital literacy is evident, Wynne said, as it will have a direct impact on our economy. "Critical investments in the infrastructure of the workforce must be made and matched with an investment in the people operating these systems. Digital literacy must be taken seriously and viewed as vital to social and economic development," she added.

Diaz recognized environmental sustainability and poverty as the two main issues facing Miami. Miami is a city with strong entrepreneurship among its residents. Diaz and the city have begun a partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to educate city residents and advance their digital literacy. As a result of this partnership, Miami now has free wireless internet available throughout parks, libraries, and various after school programs. Even senior citizen centers have been exposed to the internet because of this partnership program. Diaz also developed a Rights of Passage program, where children at the elementary school level were given the opportunity to go to museums, performing arts centers, and other places of cultural enrichment. Another aspect of the program is a Life Skills course adapted into the curriculum for 6th grade students. "If the course was passed, a free computer was given to the student and AT&T provided the internet access" as incentive for the student to complete the Life Skills course, Diaz said. "Opportunities must be made for all Miami children starting with access to the internet and a computer," he added. There were over 600 kids in the first graduating class and this program of 6th graders continues.

Nickels is also ensuring that city residents have access to the internet. As the third most wired city in the country, 80 percent of Seattle residents have a computer in their home. "Strong efforts have been made to ensure internet access and computer labs are available in community centers and senior centers" Nickels said. Companies such as Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon are based in Seattle, making the city a center for information and technology. "Technology is what allows people to be productive," according to Nickels. "School systems, workforce training, and post secondary education must understand the importance of technology as it relates to productivity. That’s a goal of the city of Seattle, to give understanding throughout the city," he added.

Taylor stated that in Tulsa, every child is eligible for two years of college education free-of-charge resulting in an AA degree. High risk youth are the focus of Taylor’s programs that target their education. Her dropout prevention program has helped keep the Tulsa unemployment rate to an extremely low 2.9 percent. Taylor also highlighted her digital literacy efforts aimed at ex-offenders to prepare them for the 21st century economy.

Diaz believes that in order to create advancements in the area of digital literacy and ultimately increasing the productivity of a workforce, the role of partnerships is extremely important. Achieving these partnerships allows franchise opportunities for companies that are located in the city such as cable companies or telephone companies. He also feels that networking with specific non-profit organizations and school partnerships are necessary as well. Once the issue is identified, a joint effort to tackle the issue can take place. Also, funding such as the technology grant received by the Seattle is necessary to launch a program strong enough to educate and impact an entire city resulting in workforce advancement