Digital Equity Competitors

Technology Access Foundation (TAF), founded in 1996, is a Seattle-based non-profit leader rooted in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. TAF provides an equitable public school STEM education for underserved students and support for educators of color. We make systemic change through creative partnerships within public education and STEM industries. We address three problems that keep underserved students away from STEM and essentially disqualify them from competing and thriving in today’s society: 1) Low expectations 2) A shortage of role models in STEM 3) Lack of access to quality, STEM-focused education We use STEM education as a tool for social change and educational equality. Our targeted approach for addressing longstanding historical inequities for students of color develops leadership and citizenship in ALL students. TAF is a pioneer in education. We focus our partnership efforts to provide students the kind of education they couldn’t get through a typical charter or public school. We provide innovative learning models, professional development for teachers, and opportunities for students and teachers to learn from and work alongside STEM professionals and use cutting-edge technology. The stakes are high, and as a whole, we can’t afford to lose bright minds to poverty or to lose jobs to nations that are better prepared. Most importantly, we can’t afford to miss out on what any one of these students has to offer.

Access Now defends and extends the digital rights of people and communities at risk. As a grassroots-to-global organization, we partner with local actors to bring a human rights agenda to the use, development, and governance of digital technologies, and to intervene where technologies adversely impact our human rights. By combining direct technical support from our 24/7 Digital Security Helpline, strategic advocacy, grassroots grantmaking, and convenings such as RightsCon, we fight for human rights in the digital age.

Connected Communities is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation and growth of community-based programs, services and public policies that support measurable social outcomes for affordable housing communities across the country.