Articles

HCC selected for national digital equity institute participation

Nov 28, 2023

Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher at the opening of a campus Digital Access Center.

Houston Community College (HCC) was selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities for its inaugural Institute on Digital Equity.

Participating schools are leading higher education institutions working to promote digital equity on their campuses, in their communities, regions and states, the association said. Those selected along with HCC include the likes of Stanford University, California State University, Bradley University and the University of Alaska.

“The persistent gap between those who have access to broadband and opportunities to develop digital literacy skills and those who do not means that far too many are barred from full economic and social participation,” said Lynn Pasquerella, the association's president.

During the seven-month institute, participating institutions will create and implement comprehensive digital equity action activities and define goals to develop or expand access.

Already, HCC has been opening all-inclusive digital access centers on its campuses across the region. Each is equipped with furniture, fixtures, technology, acoustics and other innovative designs to provide a comfortable, accessible place for those seeking to obtain digital skills. Staff at the centers are available to help participants.

“People in the community now have a place to learn the skills needed to become a part of the digital world – something many have been unable to attain,” said HCC Interim Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “We are helping to address the fact that one in three adults in Harris County lacks the necessary skills to participate and fully engage in the workplace. HCC is  making a real and lasting difference.”

For more information about the Institute on Digital Equity, visit aacu.org/digital-equity.