Rocket Mortgage Classic unveils “Changing the Course” initiative to help end the digital divide in Detroit
When many of the PGA’s best golfers played in the second annual Rocket Mortgage Classic, held at the Detroit Golf Club from July 2 to July 5, the event unveiled the initiative, “Changing the Course.” In partnership with The Rocket Mortgage Classic and its title sponsor Rocket Mortgage, “Changing the Course” was created to help Detroiters gain greater access to the internet, digital services, and associative training and educational opportunities.
Despite earlier concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic could force cancellation of the Classic, instead a shining national spotlight was placed on Detroit, as the Motor City continues its comeback journey. Yet for such a comeback to be complete, Rocket Mortgage Classic organizers felt there must be strong initiatives to narrow the digital divide that many Detroiters face.
Once it was clear that the PGA tournament would move forward, the groundwork for “Changing the Course” initiative followed, with the mission to eradicate the digital divide in Detroit by 2025.
“We had to be thoughtful about how the Rocket Mortgage Classic could be beneficial to the City of Detroit,” said Trina Scott, chief diversity officer of Rocket Mortgage, the Rock Family of Companies, and a board member of the Rocket Giving Fund. “We wanted our efforts to really support the community and not just present a golf tournament. We decided to place our efforts behind addressing the digital divide in the city and working collectively with communities and partners to be successful.”
Laura Grannemann, vice president of strategic investments for the Quicken Loans Community Fund, and a board member of the Rocket Giving Fund, said proceeds from The Rocket Mortgage Classic will be directed at addressing Detroit’s Digital Divide through the advent of The Connect 313 Fund. The Fund, which was launched in partnership with the City of Detroit and key stakeholders from private and non-profit organizations, will coordinate and support city-wide digital inclusion efforts with a data-driven, holistic, sustainable, and community-based philosophy.
“The Rocket Mortgage Classic is extremely proud to be able to provide the seed funding for the Connect 313 Fund” said Grannemann. “It’s important that we narrow the digital divide in the city because Detroit is one of the least connected cities in the United States. There are more than 100,000 families in the city that do not have access to the internet in their homes. By not having access to technology, internet, and digital literacy, opportunities for a better education, employment, healthcare and other areas are greatly reduced for Detroiters. Having access to technology is no longer a privilege; it is absolutely a right.”
Grannemann said the Connect 313 Fund will be operated and administered by United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The Rocket Giving Fund, the City of Detroit, and United Way have formed a governance structure to drive the mission of the Connect 313 Fund.
“I am encouraged that proceeds from the Rocket Mortgage Classic will help create connectivity hubs across the City of Detroit,” Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, said in a press release. “The Connect 313 Fund is a collaborative effort that is vitally important for every family, business, and organization – making technology more accessible to children, families, and communities.”
The Connect 313 Fund, which has roots in the City of Detroit’s digital inclusion program, features strategic pillars to collect accurate neighborhood-level data on technology and internet access, while building, supporting, and investing in neighborhood technology hubs. The Fund seeks to empower residents of Detroit to become digital literacy ambassadors in their own communities. The Fund also coordinates city-wide fundraising and advocacy activities for systemic change in digital inclusion.
Connect 313 is the brainchild of Joshua Edmonds, the City of Detroit’s director of digital inclusion. He designed the comprehensive program, making sure it was ecosystem-driven and would facilitate a city-wide effort to foster digital inclusion. In October of 2019, with Mayor Mike Duggan’s approval, Connect 313 was born.
“In order for the City of Detroit to move forward, we needed to place a higher emphasis on bridging the digital divide,” said Edmonds. “After conducting extensive research and looking at what other American cities were doing to tackle their digital divide, we created a unique approach to expand computer and internet access to Detroiters in need.”
“We’re thrilled to come together with the City of Detroit,” said Grannemann. “We need everyone at the table to be a part of the decision-making process. To be successful in eliminating the digital divide in Detroit, there must be long-term commitments.”
About Post Author
