ST Foundation: bridging the digital divide with the Digital Unify Program

At STMicroelectronics, we are committed to positively impacting expertise, and delivering comprehensive educational programs globally through the ST Foundation. The mission is to develop, coordinate, and sponsor projects that use modern sciences and technology to promote human progress.

One of the flagship initiatives is the Digital Unify Program, an extensive educational effort active across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Since its launch in 2003, this program has trained over one million individuals across 29 countries, adapting the methods to meet the needs of various groups, including children, adults, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly.

The impact of the Digital Unify Program

The ST Foundation’s impact is not only measurable by the number of individuals trained but by the stories of transformation that come from the heart of these communities. Every course offered through the Digital Unify Program becomes a stepping stone for change, enabling people to harness the power of technology for a better tomorrow.

The Digital Unify Program (DU) sets up computer training centers (DU Labs) in collaboration with local partners such as schools, NGOs, local administrations, and government agencies. Currently, the program offers four free courses:

• Informatics and Computer Basics (ICB): a 20-hour computer literacy course focusing on essential skills like searching topics online, sending emails, and using word processors and spreadsheets. Shereen’s story is just one of the many examples of empowerment through education.
• Tablet for Kids (T4K): a course for children aged 9 to 13, aimed at providing an intuitive understanding of ICTs for problem-solving and personal development. Read more about what we are doing to help kids in Murshidabad, one of the most underdeveloped areas in West Bengal (India).
• Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired People (ICB4VI): created in collaboration with the University of Milan, this course makes digital skills accessible to visually impaired learners. It offers over 50 hours of training on key topics such as keyboard navigation, Microsoft Word document creation, Excel data management, email handling, and Internet navigation.

• Tablet for Seniors Course (T4S): This course has a standard duration of 20 hours, during which the beneficiaries have the chance to learn basic skills like how to use the Internet, email accounts, take pictures, and more advanced tasks that can help them lead a more active and e-connected life. Read the story of Remedios in the Philippines to know more about how this course can change people’s lives.

In addition to these fundamental courses, the program remains attentive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves. The ST Foundation is always ready to develop new courses and adapt our offerings to ensure everyone has access to the digital tools they need to meet future challenges.

Creating a better future with DU local communities

The Local Communities (LC) project is a key initiative of the ST Foundation. It supports the creation of DU Labs and encourages volunteering among ST employees. The goal is to provide every citizen with the knowledge to overcome social, economic, and technological inequalities, achieving human progress and a dignified life for everyone. If you want to know more about how to connect with the ST Foundation to benefit your local community, click here.

Our commitment to bridging the digital divide is unwavering. At the ST Foundation, we believe that access to technology is not just a privilege but a fundamental right. With the Digital Unify Program, we are reaching out to communities worldwide, providing them with  the tools and skills necessary for personal and collective growth.

Expanding our reach

The ST Foundation continues to expand its reach in countries where there is a significant need to overcome social, economic, and technological inequalities.

In 2023, the Foundation signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs) – strengthening the commitment to reducing the digital divide. This collaboration focuses on empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, through digital skills development. This partnership with ITU aligns with the mission to foster digital inclusion and promote sustainable development across various regions.

In Senegal, the Foundation launched training programs for young girls and visually impaired individuals, ensuring more inclusive access to technology and education. Additionally, they conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Ghana to equip the first teachers in the country to deliver our ICB4VI course, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired learners.

In India, the efforts included expanding the T4S senior citizen program, empowering women with digital literacy, and introducing the Digital Unify program in prisons, aiding rehabilitation and reintegration. The summer camps in Morocco reached 9,502 children across 29 locations, providing quality education and fostering unity among underprivileged children.

In France, the Foundation donated nearly 1,000 computers and formed partnerships with major entities.

In Italy, they successfully promoted coding in education with a new initiative together with ACRA, encouraged digital careers, and trained volunteers to engage with students. The initiative reached schools, trained teachers, and involved volunteers, focusing on inclusion and reducing inequality.

The collaboration with Vittascience

The Foundation has made significant additional strides in 2023, focusing on reducing digital education disparity and enhancing program efficacy. Key projects include developing a new computational thinking and coding course using resources from Vittascience, an educational platform offering innovative teaching tools. The course aims to reinforce existing programs and pay special attention to digital education for older people

Shireen’s and Barthelemy’s journeys and the many active projects in 14 countries are just some of many recent inspiring stories highlighting the importance of providing educational opportunities to less privileged communities. These stories show how access to modern sciences and technology can promote human progress and sustainable development.