The City of Seattle launched a new program this week designed to provide necessary technology to people of color and other marginalized groups who are looking for jobs. The Digital Bridge program, developed in response to the coronavirus crisis, is designed to provide internet access and other essential tools to Seattle residents looking for work through the Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI).

Comcast is providing $50,000 to purchase 200 refurbished laptops from the computer recycling nonprofit InterConnection to provide to participants in the SJI job training program. The first round of refurbished laptops were donated to 20 participants in the program earlier this month.

Seattle’s Office of Economic Development is providing an additional $50,000 to expand the tools and resources the city offers job seekers through its digital equity programs.

Digital Bridge is a partnership between the City of Seattle, Comcast, Seattle Jobs Initiative, Technology and Social Change Group at the University of Washington Information School, and InterConnection. The initiative is part of Seattle’s Digital Equity Initiative, which provides grants, skills training, and other resources intended to expand access to jobs of the future.