The Sacramento Kings announced a partnership on Monday that will aim to bridge the digital divide in Sacramento.
Two hundred people, ages 14 to 22, will participate in digital literacy and entrepreneurship programs through a multiyear partnership with business communications company Dialpad, according to a news release from the team.
The partnership will "address digital barriers and expand our shared commitment to educate and empower young leaders," Kings owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé said in the news release.
A state report estimated that about a third of Californians do not have access to broadband internet. In the city of Sacramento, up to 40,000 households lack broadband access. In September 2020, United Way California Capital Region, the city of Sacramento and Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) announced a partnership to offer free broadband access to up to 10,000 households.
And this July, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation for a project of about $6 billion to expand California's broadband infrastructure and increase internet access for households and businesses.
The initiative to bridge the divide among young people will happen through three after-school labs over three years, the release said. Some participants will be able to interact with executives from Dialpad, the Kings and the NBA to learn more about technology, sports and entertainment careers, the release said.
According to the release, the partnership will also donate $1 million of business communications services to nonprofits across the region.
"Digital transformation in the nonprofit sector is critical, and the right technology will unlock new opportunities and create greater impact," Ranadivé said.
