Seattle IT and the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Affairs (OIRA) partner to provide workforce support to immigrants and refugees

On October 21, Seattle IT's Digital Equity Program joined ranks with the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Affairs' Ready to Work program to provide technology assistance, device support, and English language resources for refugee and immigrant job seekers in Seattle. The event was held in Seattle's City Hall.

Historically, immigrant, refugee, and migrant communities encounter unique barriers in accessing educational opportunities, the labor market, and other aspects of economic and cultural life. Layered on top of that, accessing the internet, developing digital skills, and having sufficient access to devices can constitute additional barriers.

That's why we in Seattle IT, our colleagues in OIRA, and our entire One Seattle community, are committed to ensuring that all residents and neighborhoods have access to the information technology capacities and literacies they need. Technology is not a luxury; it's a lifeline for civic engagement, cultural participation, and employment. It's essential for lifelong learning and accessing vital services.

Earlier this year, Seattle IT completed our 2024 Technology Access and Adoption Study, a comprehensive population-level survey that we use to determine the City's digital equity service and funding priorities.

The study found that while only 5% of all Seattle residents are sharing computing devices among household members, 22% of households whose primary language is not English have to share devices. Households whose primary language is not English are three times more likely to have no internet-enabled devices at home, and 33% do not have devices that are adequate to participate fully in classrooms, interviews, or business meetings.

The City of Seattle's Technology Matching Fund grant program provides funding to community organizations for local projects that increase digital equity for all Seattle residents. Since its inception in 1997, the Technology Matching Fund (TMF) has awarded over $7 million to bridge the digital divide, nurturing a tech-savvy city where everyone can thrive. This year, we are excited to see projects like the laptop lending library sponsored by Verizon and InterConnection, benefitting the City's Ready to Work program and our partners at the Asian Counseling and Referral Service, Literacy Source, and Neighborhood House. This initiative exemplifies the collaborative spirit we need to make lasting change.

As we look ahead, I invite organizations and community groups to apply for the 2025 TMF grants, and I invite our industry partners to help us expand the impact of our program. Together, we commit to a One Seattle vision where technology truly serves everyone, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering an inclusive future for all.

The City of Seattle's Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) oversees the City's Digital Equity Program. To learn more about digital equity programs like the Technology Matching Fund Grant program and past winners, reduced-cost cable and internet opportunities, and other programs, visit Seattle.gov/tech. Seattle IT is a trusted partner that provides secure, reliable, and compliant technologies, enabling the City to deliver equitable and responsive services to the public.    

Jim Loter is the Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the City of Seattle