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The digital divide refers to the gap between those who can access and take full advantage of computers and the internet, and those who cannot. For those who cannot, the reasons range from lack of access to devices or internet to lack of access to digital training. It’s a form of inequality that can limit opportunities for those on the wrong side of the chasm.

EY's Commitment to Address the Digital Divide

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, EY citizenship leaders had identified concerning trends, including the fact that one-third of young people (disproportionately Black, Latinx, and/or low-income), lacked access to broadband and devices at home. To address this issue, the firm created several anti-racism interventions, including the Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) Bridging the Digital Divide initiative. EY people were inspired to use their time and connections to close the divide in their local communities. The organization used its network and influence to activate multiple stakeholder groups across the country, raising millions of dollars in support of the cause. Through mentoring programs, EY people volunteered to help upskill beneficiaries on how to succeed in a digital age. 

In the three years since EY's initiative was launched, the program has:

• Impacted more than 600,000 lives via programs that provide mentoring, hardware, and/or connectivity.

• Established targeted local programs involving more than 4,300 EY professionals and including dozens of mentoring and learning programs.

• Raised $4.3 million through public-private coalitions and an additional $4.8 million in charitable contributions from EY professionals through the company’s annual United Way giving campaign.

• Engaged the support of and established collaborations with other corporate leaders, including clients whose mission and purpose align to the firm’s.

• Convened more than 200 collaborations with other organizations, including coalitions of education departments and public sector agencies, nonprofits, community service organizations, and the private sector.