Verizon expands partnership with TechSTL to advance digital equity in St. Louis through the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (VZ) awards $100,000 to TechSTL for the TechLAUNCH program in St. Louis as part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, aiming to address the digital divide in Greater St. Louis by training 10K underserved residents in critical tech skills. The partnership includes Cortex Innovation District, the State of Missouri, the City of St. Louis, CompTIA, Urban League, and the St. Louis Public Library System. TechSTL aims to serve as the first tech council of Greater St. Louis, connecting a thriving innovation community with a diverse and productive tech workforce in the country.

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon announces a $100,000 award to TechSTL for the TechLAUNCH program in St. Louis. The partnership is part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1 million national initiative equipping communities with the tools to navigate an increasingly technological world.

TechSTL will address the digital divide in Greater St. Louis by establishing a regional partnership to train 10K underserved residents in critical tech skills for the jobs of the future. Verizon joins the partnership TechSTL has established with Cortex Innovation District, the State of Missouri, the City of St. Louis, CompTIA, Urban League, and the St. Louis Public Library System to address this critical need.

The St. Louis Digital Divide Report estimated 100,000 St. Louis residents who lack digital literacy skills, with the majority of them located in the most vulnerable and impoverished areas of the region.¹

TechSTL is proud to serve as the first tech council of Greater St. Louis. With growing industries in biomedical, geospatial, fintech, aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, emerging technology in St. Louis connects a thriving innovation community with a bi-state region that is on its way to becoming the most diverse and productive tech workforces in the country.

“The Community Enhancement Award reflects Verizon’s commitment to advancing digital literacy and inclusion in the communities we serve,” said Tony Lewis, Vice President of Public Policy for Verizon. “We are committed to listening to and meeting communities where they are by partnering with innovative organizations, such as TechSTL, to ensure communities have the digital skills and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

"Verizon is thrilled to expand our partnership with TechSTL to promote digital equity in St. Louis,” said Andy Brady, Verizon Great Lakes Market President, “Through the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, we are committed to helping bridge the digital divide and empower communities in the region with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age."

Verizon’s goal is to prepare 500,000 individuals for the jobs of the future by 2030. To learn more about Verizon’s Digital Inclusion efforts, visit CitizenVerizon.com.

¹ St. Louis Community Foundation. “Bridging the Digital Divide in the St. Louis Region.” Website.

Media contact:
Andy Choi
312 502 2002
Andy.choi@verizon.com

FAQ

What is the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award?

The Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award is a $1 million national initiative equipping communities with the tools to navigate an increasingly technological world.

What is the goal of Verizon's partnership with TechSTL?

Verizon aims to address the digital divide in Greater St. Louis by training 10,000 underserved residents in critical tech skills for the jobs of the future.

Who are the partners in the TechSTL program?

The partnership includes Cortex Innovation District, the State of Missouri, the City of St. Louis, CompTIA, Urban League, and the St. Louis Public Library System.

What is TechSTL's objective in Greater St. Louis?

TechSTL aims to establish a regional partnership to train underserved residents in critical tech skills, addressing the digital divide and connecting a thriving innovation community with a diverse and productive tech workforce in the country.

What is Verizon's long-term goal in terms of job preparation?

Verizon aims to prepare 500,000 individuals for the jobs of the future by 2030.