What is a Smart City?

Technology, and especially the internet and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, has become ubiquitous in our daily lives. With the internet, students can access primary source documents, research just about anything, and support their own understanding with explanations accompanied by video, animations, or other helpful digital visualizations. With this reality, students who lack access to an appropriate computing device and reliable wi-fi connectivity simply do not have access to education. Data reveals that today’s youngest students are most vulnerable to falling behind and Black and Brown children disproportionately lack sufficient resources and are rapidly falling behind on expected learning outcomes.

By addressing barriers in access to connectivity, Cincinnati Bell is also taking steps to improve access to education. The UniCity program is working towards digital equity by building on a foundation of connectivity through fiber and high-speed public Wi-Fi networks alongside training programs for students and adults. UniCity works hand-in-hand with communities to custom build a suite of technology applications to impact business district vibrancy, neighborhood-based enhancements, public safety, and data-driven policy decision making. It is programs like this one that Take on Race is looking to learn from and strengthen through the collective cooperation of Corporate America.