As part of my goal to build a sustainable and proactive community and an environment in which the economy grows and the individual prospers, I believe that the issue of the 21st Century digital literacy must be addressed with urgency and creativity. Miami can become the Gateway of Opportunity where the impoverished can break the downward spiral of economic adversity and educational inequity and all residents can pursue their hopes and dreams.

 

To this end, the City has developed a comprehensive “Digital Inclusion” program called Elevate Miami. The focus of this program is to prepare all residents and businesses in Miami to take a leadership role in the global economy. One of the primary components of Elevate Miami is the establishment of public and private partnerships to offer affordable technology packages that include internet access, hardware, and software. The other major component of the program is training to enable participants to become more comfortable with technology and adapt to our society’s increasing emphasis on conducting business online.

Target audiences include youth, economically or educationally disadvantaged, minorities, and seniors. One of the program cornerstones is to decrease the high school dropout rate and increase the proportion of the population that pursues higher learning.

We look forward to an improved economy and uplifted quality of life through the Elevate Miami program by ensuring that residents and businesses are digitally enabled.

Sincerely,