Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Allocates Additional $280,000 in Second Round of Digital Literacy Subgrants to Four Community Partners in AANHPI Communities
- Contact
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is proud to announce the allocation of $280,000 in digital literacy subgrants for the second phase of our initiative aimed at bolstering digital skills within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. This funding will be distributed among four dedicated community partners: the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan (APIA Vote MI), Boat People SOS – Houston (BPSOS-Houston), and the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA).
Our commitment to support these organizations stems from the overwhelming success of the initial round of subgrants awarded in March 2023, which not only kick-started our efforts but also highlighted the crucial need for culturally competent digital literacy programs. Several of our partners began their digital literacy journey earlier this year during our first round of subgrant awards and were met with an unexpectedly high demand for their services.
This second round of funding is a testament to our dedication to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all members of our communities have the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world confidently. It's not just about providing resources; it's about empowering communities with the tools for a brighter, more connected, and inclusive future.
Our organization is excited to see the continued growth and impact of these programs, and feel confident that this additional support will enable our partners to reach even more AANHPI communities in need of digital literacy tools and skills. For a more detailed account of the impact of our digital literacy subgrants, we invite you to read our initial blog post and press release announcing the first round of subgrants.
Additionally, below is additional information about our four community partners, each of which is a beneficiary organization serving AANHPI communities:
Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ARCS), a Seattle nonprofit organization grounded in social justice, provides services that advance the health, well-being, dignity and empowerment of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and other communities experiencing disparities in health, human services and education. ACRS's digital skills classes provide participants with essential computer and internet skills, technical resources, and one-on-one coaching in a culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible environment.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan
Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan (APIA Vote MI), a nonprofit organization in Hamtramck, Michigan, is a pan-Asian American organization committed to justice and equity for the Asian American community through grassroots mobilization, civic engagement, leadership development, and coalition building. APIA Vote MI additionally offers a job placement program that includes in-language digital skills classes covering basic computer skills, technical software training, and interviewing and workplace culture courses.
Boat People SOS – Houston (BPSOS-Houston), a nonprofit organization in Houston, Texas, provides social and legal services to empower, organize, and equip immigrant communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity. BPSOS-Houston additionally offers basic computer skills courses and job search workshops.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington, preserves and promotes the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPNHPIs) as they age. NAPCA additionally offers courses in basic computer skills and professional development designed for the elderly community.
Together, these organizations offer services that focus on underserved and marginalized Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the United States, ensuring that these communities have equal opportunities to access professional opportunities online, improve their digital skills, and are able fully participate in today’s digital economy.