From our friends at PCs for People…

PCs for People distributed a record 1,528 computers to low income individuals in 45 states in October. That means more than 4,800 people – including 2,334 children – can now study, apply for jobs, improve their technical skills, and do other activities most of us take for granted. More than 1,200 new home Internet hotspots were also handed out last month. The successful October comes on the heels of what was a record-setting September, when 1,256 computers were distributed.

And some fast facts…

Studies continue to show the “Digital Divide” – the lack of a computer and broadband access is a major problem for families in poverty. Digital inclusion is a social justice problem that has far-reaching effects in equity relating to education, health, and income. Only 48 percent of households with incomes below $25,000 have a home internet connection compared to about 85 percent of households with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000.

Nearly one-third of households with school-age children and incomes below $50,000 don’t have Internet access, compared to only about eight percent of the households with school-age children and incomes above $50,000.