Dallas, September 06, 2023. o9 Solutions, a provider of enterprise AI software platforms for planning and decision-making, has unveiled the o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant. This initiative aims to allocate $250,000 to support projects that enhance digital literacy and foster technology inclusion within underserved communities.
The grant's primary objective is to facilitate the improvement of digital literacy, broaden access to technology devices, empower marginalized groups in utilizing technology, advocate responsible digital citizenship, encourage innovation, and bolster community engagement. Eligible entities, including non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and educational institutions in line with the grant's criteria, have until Oct. 31, 2023, to submit their applications for consideration.Applications will undergo comprehensive reviews by a panel of stakeholders from within o9 and its partners. Final selections will be made by o9's leadership, with notifications to the selected entities expected in early December 2023.
The o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant represents an extension of the company's efforts to supporting social impact endeavorsfor inclusion and accessibility in technology. o9 has previously engaged in several community-focused initiatives worldwide, including:
- Supporting interns from the Microsoft and Tata STRIVE Cybershikshaa program, aiding female engineering/MCA graduates from modest backgrounds to enter the digital industry.
- Hosting a virtual panel with Girls Inc, an organization focused on empowering young women through mentorship and programming.
- Donating laptops to Panchayath Union Middle School in India to celebrate Teachers' Day, coupled with training for teachers on using the equipment and educational resources.
- Collaborating with India Cares Foundation, Swabhimaan, and VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth and Adults to establish a Computer Learning Center, providing accessible computer education for children in an urban community in Bangalore.
- Partnering with the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) to provide B. Tech curriculum books to 15 women engineering colleges in Telangana. Additionally, o9 funded the renovation and equipped advanced science labs, benefiting over 600 girls.
- Making a contribution to Khan Academy in Q4 2022 to cover hosting costs, ensuring free educational resources were accessible to 750,000 digital learners worldwide.
“The digital divide is a significant issue in our global society, and the groups and regions affected by a lack of access to technology cannot fully participate in the digital age,” says Igor Rikalo, President and COO at o9 Solutions. “Through the o9 Digital Tomorrow Grant, we seek to continue to help bridge this gap by funding organizations that foster access to technology that help educate and empower underserved communities to flourish in a technology-driven world.”
