CHICAGO–The $14-billion Alliant Credit Union, which is nearly a completely digital operation, has launched a digital inclusion initiative it said supports the need for broadband access, technology equipment and technology education in underserved communities nationwide.
“We feel a particular obligation to create a more inclusive digital world,” CEO and President Dennis Devine said in a statement. “Technology has become a necessity, not a luxury. We all need reliable broadband, equipment and technology know-how to get the best education, health care, career and financial opportunities.”
With its national and community partners, Alliant reported it is focusing its efforts on three key areas: providing reliable broadband, digital literacy resources, and technology equipment to under-resourced communities. It said it will do so through the Alliant Foundation.
Three Partners
Alliant said it is launching its initiative with three partners in place: National Digital Inclusion Alliance, PCs for People, and EveryoneOn. The credit union said it will work with NDIA and policy-makers to advocate for support for digital inclusion organizations, provide recycling opportunities for individuals and businesses to donate equipment to be refurbished with PCs for People and create opportunities for reliable broadband and skills training with its partnership with EveryoneOn.
“Although the disparity of access to technology was highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic, the digital divides we see today have permeated across race, age and geographic location for decades,” the credit union said.
Alliant has more than 600,000 members.