The City’s commitment to improving digital equity and collaborating with Phoenix residents in underinvested areas and public housing communities landed the City a winning spot. Phoenix was one of 20 finalist cities across the nation and is one of 10 communities to be recognized this year.
“COVID-19 caused a profound shift in traditional learning. As students transitioned to an online learning environment, we knew too many families were missing the basic tools needed to navigate this new way of learning,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “City staff put forth a tremendous effort to close this digital divide, especially for our most vulnerable kids. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and equally proud the City of Phoenix has been honored with the All-America City Award for the sixth time.”
During the pandemic, the City mobilized community partnerships to distribute more than 12,000 laptops to 15 school districts in underserved areas within public housing communities. Additionally, the City provided 1,600 tablets and Wi-Fi connectivity to families and seniors for at-home learning, telemedicine and more.
Providing digital devices was one of many steps the City took to support its residents. As the literacy rate for Phoenix students passing the third grade reading assessment declined to 25%, Phoenix co-created literacy and tutoring programs with students, parents and educators to reverse the trend.
“As someone who grew up in public housing during my childhood, I understand the impact these programs have on our residents. It takes a village to aid in the success of our youth and I am proud to lead a city that takes initiative to make a positive impact on its residents,” said Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “Congratulations, Phoenix, on a well-deserved win!”
The All-America City Award is made possible through the support of Southwest Airlines, the official airline sponsor, The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, CGI Digital, MissionSquare Retirement, HealthONE, and Womble Bond Dickinson.
Click here to learn more about the National Civic League’s All-America City Awards.
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading seeks to disrupt generational poverty and ensure more hopeful futures for children of economically challenged, fragile and otherwise marginalized communities. We support community-driven initiatives to improve the likelihood that these children will grasp the first rung of the success sequence ladder – graduation from high school. Since its launch in 2012, the GLR Communities Network has grown to include more than 350 communities, representing 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two Canadian provinces — sponsored by 5,200+ local organizations, institutions and agencies and supported by 500+ state and local funders, including 200+ United Ways.
