Digital Literacy, the Key to the Modern Job Search

According to recent studies, 66 million Americans lack digital literacy skills, yet more than 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies require online job applications. To help bridge this electronic gulf, a unique partnership was launched on July 16 to spread the word about the importance of digital literacy resources for persons looking for work. The Department of Labor and the Federal Communications Commission have teamed up with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the non-profit Connect2Compete to make computers, high-speed Internet access and digital literacy training more accessible for millions of Americans without home connectivity. Secretary Solis, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, IMLS Director Susan Hildreth, and Connect2Compete's Lee Davenport announced the partnership's kick off at the Arlington Employment Center in Northern Virginia. As part of the announcement, the nearly 3,000 federally funded American Job Centers, as well as libraries across the country, will serve as access points for information on digital literacy training and as discounted Internet service and low-cost laptops for families in free school lunch programs.

• Watch the Announcement
• View the Slideshow
• Read the Fact Sheet
• Learn More About Connect2Compete