Despite the United States being a country with one of the most booming tech industries in the world, it is disappointing to learn and accept that we still face a large digital divide.
This digital divide has drastic impacts on minorities like the Hispanic community. It has impacted our ability to perform day-to-day tasks like paying internet bills, entertaining or educating ourselves, developing digital skills, or pursuing careers in tech.
However, it is darkest just before dawn, and with the right steps, we can overcome the darkness this digital divide casts on Hispanic people in the US. This article explores some of those steps.
As a Hispanic individual who has witnessed the effects of the digital divide firsthand, the steps I’ll share won’t just be temporary, generic solutions. They take into account both the unique needs of Hispanic communities as well as the challenges they face on a daily basis and offer long-term solutions.
So, without further ado, let’s get right into them.
1. Providing Access to Affordable and Multilingual Internet Options
Did you know that as of 2024, a staggering 16 million Hispanic people in the US still don’t have access to home internet services? Stats like this put them 10 years behind White households when it comes to broadband adoption.
There are numerous factors at play here, from the incomes of Hispanic households to the language barriers they face. The average income of a Hispanic household is a mere $51,811. Additionally, most internet providers offer customer services primarily in English, making it difficult for Hispanic families to understand and choose the right plan. Fortunately, there are certain internet providers that are catering to the language needs of Hispanic families.
For example, Cox provides customer support in English and Spanish, giving Hispanic families the chance to access and manage their internet services in their native language. Whether it’s a new customer looking to choose a plan or an existing customer looking for assistance to pagar Cox en español, their customer service can make the process quick and seamless.
Despite the termination of the Affordable Connectivity Program, there are still multiple internet plans and programs that make access to the internet easy for Hispanic communities. Some of these include the Cox Connect2Compete at just $10 monthly, and the Lifeline discount by the Federal Communications Commission.
2. Enabling the Development of Digital Skills in Hispanic Communities
As of 2025, only 8 percent of workers in tech are Hispanic. The development of digital skills can help Hispanic communities expand their career options and overcome the gross underrepresentation of this community in the tech sector.
To develop these digital skills, the government and organizations across America must come together to first raise awareness on the significance of digital skills going ahead and then execute the creation of programs or institutions. They must take into account language barriers and cultural elements while making sure to create solutions that cater to all ages. This can include in-school programs, online programs, or dedicated institutions.
One such program for adults, known as the Digital Skills for Life Program by Unidos, has seen a good outcome. The program focuses on developing basic knowledge and skills in professional communication, the Internet, hardware, software, social media, apps, and cybersecurity in a bilingual and culturally relevant manner. The program has helped over 1,880 people to-date.
87% of these individuals were satisfied with the program and hinted that they would recommend it within their circles. To top that, 70% of participants reported a self-perceived increase in their knowledge of digital skills after the program, and 82% of program graduates actively apply the skills they’ve gained. Programs like these can create a ripple effect since the skills adults pick up can be passed on to future generations for years to come.
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3. Providing More Funding and Resources for Hispanic Tech-Based Startups
The efforts of the Hispanic people to support the American economy are huge. Our entrepreneurial spirit continues shining through, with over 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in America as of 2023. However, starting a business is tougher for Hispanic people, as we’re faced with a lot of challenges.
Some of the most significant challenges include limited access to capital and difficulty securing contracts and loans. These aspects apply to all industries where Hispanic entrepreneurs can potentially excel, such as tech. As of 2024, only one in ten Hispanic workers has a job in tech. This is even lower when it comes to leadership in tech, according to a report by Kapor Foundation.
Providing funding and resources to Hispanic tech entrepreneurs can help eliminate this gap by helping both new entrants to successfully break into the industry and existing players scale their businesses. These entrepreneurs could also become a source of inspiration for younger Hispanic generations to pursue tech careers or build tech-based businesses.
When it comes to funding, there are a few options that can help Hispanic tech entrepreneurs. Some of these include the Accion Opportunity Fund, Grant.gov, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Camino Financial. Each of these comes with a set of eligibility terms and conditions, so make sure to read carefully.
Bridging the Digital Divide – Creating a More Inclusive America
If left uncontrolled, the digital divide can result in even more lost opportunities, broken dreams, and wasted potential, spreading among the Hispanic community in America. By acting on the steps shared in this article, we can alter our course towards a more inclusive America. An America where Hispanics and other minorities get equal opportunities to make their dreams a reality, without being limited by facto
