With a goal of closing the digital divide by increasing access to technology, among other objectives, Milwaukee County is partnering with the Milky Way Tech Hub, a local group focused on racial inclusion in the city's growing technology industry.
The county's Office of Equity is working with the Milky Way Tech Hub on issues that include increasing access to broadband internet and technology, and supporting equitable opportunities for careers in technology, according to an announcement earlier this month.
"Partnering with Milky Way Tech Hub will allow us to drive economic growth by connecting underserved residents with the resources and expertise they need to be successful in this growing industry," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a statement.
Multiple departments within the county are collaborating with the Milky Way Tech Hub to develop strategies and program opportunities, Milwaukee County strategic communications manager Jacqueline Zeledon said in an email.
The county's support of the Milky Way Tech Hub aligns with its stance, declared in 2019, that racism is a public health crisis, Milwaukee County chief equity officer Jeff Román said in a statement.
"Our office is focused on making the county’s health and racial equity visions a reality," Román said. "We see a partnership with the Milky Way as making progress toward realizing that vision.”
The Milky Way Tech Hub is the social impact initiative of Jet Constellations, a Black woman-owned technology firm in Milwaukee. Its founder and CEO is Nadiyah Johnson.
Other Milky Way Tech Hub corporate members include American Family Insurance; Northwestern Mutual; Milwaukee Tool; Techquity, an initiative of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County; Brilliance Business Solutions; and MARS Solutions Group.
Through its partnership with Milwaukee Tool, the Milky Way Tech Hub conducted a four-week program to teach computer science to middle school students at the Milwaukee Academy of Science. Alongside American Family Insurance, the group runs a program called STEAM and Dream that prepares students of color for careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
