Bridging the digital Divide for the Diaspora

Bridging the digital Divide for the Diaspora

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2025

Afree Foundation Awarded State Digital Connectivity Grant to Expand Youth Tech Access Across NEPA

Scranton, PA Afree Foundation has been selected as one of several regional recipients of Pennsylvania’s Digital Connectivity Technology Grants, announced by Senator Marty Flynn this week. The Foundation was awarded 90 laptops, valued at $270,000, as part of a statewide initiative to eliminate digital barriers and foster equitable technology access for underserved communities.

Senator Flynn’s July 18th press release outlines 330 laptops distributed across Northeastern Pennsylvania, supporting efforts to enhance education, workforce readiness, and digital literacy.

“These laptops are more than just devices. They are lifelines to opportunity,” said Curtis Wiltshire, Chief Operating Officer of Afree Foundation. “This investment enables us to double down on our commitment to innovation, access, and community-driven development.”

Empowering NEPA’s Diaspora Communities

Afree Foundation will use the awarded laptops to expand its regional afterschool, summer enrichment, and workforce training programs, modeled after its successful NEPA PAC (Pan-African Coalition) initiative.

In a strategic move, Afree Foundation has partnered with community-based organizations in Luzerne County to replicate its tech-driven youth and adult development programs, ensuring that Black and immigrant communities across the region gain equitable access to modern tools and pathways.

Supporting the Congolese Community in Scranton

Afree Foundation is also proud to announce a formal partnership with a Congolese community organization located in Scranton. Acting as fiscal sponsor, Afree ensured the Congolese organization secured 30 of the 90 laptops awarded. These devices will be used to launch tailored workforce development and education initiatives designed by and for the Congolese population, many of whom face deep cultural, language, and institutional access challenges.

“This kind of investment affirms our commitment to not just serve but stand beside our diaspora partners in building programs rooted in dignity, relevance, and self-determination,” said Rashida Lovely, Founder of Afree Foundation.

Afree’s Holistic Vision

The remaining laptops will support Afree’s programs across Scranton and Luzerne County, including:

  • Afterschool enrichment and summer camps
  • Digital equity labs for affordable housing residents
  • Tech training for justice-involved and reentry youth
  • Community entrepreneurship and remote work readiness programs

About Afree Foundation

Afree Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that combines affordable housing innovation with sustainability, digital equity, and Pan-African empowerment. Through initiatives such as NEPA PAC, Bloxi sensor development, and community-based programming, Afree helps historically excluded populations thrive in the digital economy.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:
Curtis Wiltshire, COO
📧 curtisw@afreefoundation.org
📞 (570) 687-6585

Secondary Contact:
Rashida Lovely
📧 info@afreefoundation.org
📞 (570) 604-2954