Pittsfield Named One of Nation's 'Digital Inclusion Trailblazers'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Pittsfield as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the city's efforts to close the digital divide. 
 
This is the second time Pittsfield is being recognized with this designation. Recognizing the array of interests and unique barriers of its community members, Pittsfield joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers this year. NDIA awarded a total of 60 awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments, paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.
 
In an increasingly connected society, digital inclusion—access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training—is essential not only to participate in today's world but also to finding greater opportunities to thrive using tools to navigate the internet confidently and independently, stated a press release.
 
"The City of Pittsfield is honored to be recognized as a Digital Equity Trailblazer for the second consecutive year," said Michael Obasohan, chief diversity officer. "This acknowledgment underscores our city departments' commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital resources for all residents. We remain dedicated to closing the digital divide and fostering inclusive digital opportunities that empower our entire community."
 
"In the past decade, we've seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive," said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. "NDIA's Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents."
 
Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Pittsfield achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:
  • Awarded implementation grant to start first phase of our Digital Equity Plan
  • Tech Talks with the Council on Aging
  • Technology Resource Fair at Berkshire Athenaeum
NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,900 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. 
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'Enough Abuse' Pitches Services to Pittsfield Amid PHS Scandal

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Ward facilitated the presentation.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Department is considering a nonprofit's assistance to safeguard children from sexual abuse.

"This is not just your problem," Executive Director of Enough Abuse Jetta Bernier told the School Committee and the City Council on Wednesday.

While awaiting the findings of an investigation on the Pittsfield High School staffing scandal, officials heard how Enough Abuse can help strengthen policies and provide education to protect students in the Pittsfield Public Schools.

"I think for those that have felt almost frozen in terms of 'What do we do? How do we act?' Parents, teachers, administrators, folks within the school, this kind of starts to help the brain figure out next steps," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said.

"And also, for those that are not familiar with how to prevent abuse, to help them think about what they should be expecting from our school system."

Bernier outlined five goals for the district and avenues for achieving them, including educating all PPS employees to identify and respond to adult interactions with children that might be precursors to sexual misconduct or abuse, educating students and parents, strengthening PPS policies and practices, and engaging the community.

Courses cost $20 per learner and Bernier offered technical assistance for $125 an hour.

"Money will not get in the way of this getting done. I can tell you, we are a nonprofit. We work hard to raise money like you all do for your school but this is just too important," she said.

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