Bridging the Digital Divide

Foster Youth Are the MOST Disconnected Young People

Youth in foster care are among the most digitally disconnected populations in the country. On average, 80% of foster youth do not have access to the Internet and a computer where they live. This compares to only 10% of “average” teenagers, and 21% of low-income teens. Without this access, our kids fall behind and drop out of school, do not go to college, and face unemployment and poverty.
Phones for Foster Youth
  • A $22 million California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) pilot program with iFoster that provides mobile phones to 33,000 California current and former foster youth.
  • Free new smartphone with free unlimited voice, text, and data.
  • Leverages Federal Lifeline program funded by Universal Service Fund.
  • Replicated for pandemic response in multiple states.
  • Replication of LifeLine pilot program with other State Utility Commissions.
Laptops for Foster Youth
  • iFoster partners with Microsoft and computer manufacturers to distribute low-cost computers and tablets to help foster youth succeed in school, apply for jobs, and build their support networks.
  • Government and philanthropy have made it possible to provide free laptops to students, job programs graduates and iFoster TAY AmeriCorps Members.
  • In 2020, iFoster provided over 10,000 laptops nationwide for distance learning.
Tech Access Outcomes
In 2016, iFoster had USC study 730 Los Angeles, Placer, and Madera foster youth who received our laptops. Results showed:
Improved Academic Performance
      • Improved grades.
      • Reduced missed school days.
      • Increased pursuit of college and employment.
Stronger Social Network
      • Improved relationship with bio family.
      • More likely to connect with support network.
Increased Life Satisfaction
    • Increased life satisfaction and self-esteem.
    • Reduced depression and suicidality.
iFoster Tech Access ToolKit
iFoster has worked with Children’s Bureau to develop a Tech Access Toolkit for tribes, states and community-based organizations to be able to replicate iFoster’s programming to bridge the digital divide. This includes planning, program model, operating procedures, and templates:
  1. Program design.
  2. Access to technology and unlimited data.
  3. Outreach to eligible recipients.
  4. Efficient distribution.
  5. Funding from philanthropy and/or government.
  6. Activities to leverage existing government programs such as LifeLine.
If you are interested in the replication toolkit, please email support@ifoster.org
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