Empowering Latino Workers, Entrepreneurs, and Business Owners to Thrive in the Digital Economy

Representing America’s youngest cohort, Latino workers play an increasingly crucial role in maintaining the success of the US labor market, and they are projected to account for 78% of net new workers from 2020 to 2030. However, a high percentage of Latino workers lack digital skills, making them vulnerable to job displacement due to automation and digitalization in the workplace. In fact, 57% of Latinos ages 16 to 64 had low or no digital skills, compared with a US average of 31%.

To address this issue, Aspen Latinos launched the Latino Digital Success Initiative, which aims to identify, develop, and uplift promising ecosystem approaches that better prepare Latino workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners to thrive in a 21st-century digital economy. The initiative relies on applied research to consolidate digital inclusion ecosystems that support Latino communities to fully access digital opportunities. With 92% of jobs requiring digital skills, it is critical to ensure that Latinos have the necessary tools to succeed in a changing economy.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Aspen Latinos was awarded a grant to support the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) outreach efforts. This federally funded benefit provided a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households could also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a device.

During the lifespan of the grant, our team developed and deployed a public awareness campaign in both English and Spanish through traditional media channels and social media. Aspen Latinos also collaborated with trusted community organizations to spread the benefit and promote enrollment of eligible households.

Aspen Latinos and ACP Outreach

Research

Aspen Latinos is committed to producing original research on the digital divide and its impact on Latino communities—both at local and national levels. We aim to provide policymakers, decision-makers, and community leaders with the evidence-based knowledge necessary to design and implement effective solutions that bridge the digital divide and promote Latino success. Our research spans digital equity to place-based strategies and investments to procurement. We inform practitioners on the latest economic trends and best practices to establish actionable strategies that lead to sustainable economic development.

If you are interested in partnering with us for a research project or want to receive more information about our work, contact Diego Deleersnyder at diego(dot)deleersnyder(at)aspeninstitute(dot)org. 

Publications

Digital Success Task Force

    Latino Digital Success Task Force

    Aspen Latinos launched the Latino Digital Success Task Force in 2022, bringing together a diverse group of leaders from the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors to address what success in a digital economy looks like for Latinos around the country. The task force constitutes a brain trust that aims to inspire action by companies, workforce organizations, and elected officials to better support the Latino community in the transition to an increasingly digital workplace and business environment. It also seeks to shift the narrative around Latinos and technology and raise awareness of the opportunities and resources available to Latino talent.

    The Principles for Latino Digital Success were conceived as a series of guidelines to inform the design and implementation of effective digital equity efforts targeting the Latino community in the United States. These principles compile the main takeaways from the Latino Digital Success Task Force workshop meeting held in Miami, Florida, on January 30, 2023.

    Aspen Principles for Latino Digital Success