“What started out as a digital divide, where at that time we were dealing with public access to computers and the Internet, has turned into a movement to advance digital inclusion and digital equality," says Lee, "that allows citizens to really realize the full benefit of how this tool and platform can improve the quality of their life.”

Computer labs are a great way to bring access to low-income families, but Lee says she would like to see cities invest in projects that bring the Internet directly into homes

“The ability to accelerate in home broadband access allows people to have this unlimited connection to a resource that will change their lives and transform their lives. That’s really the ideal place to have citizens connected: where they live.”

Other U.S. cities are also taking steps to close the digital divide. San Francisco's mayor hopes to provide the entire city with free or low cost Internet access. Minneapolis participates in a Computer Exchange Program that gives refurbished computers to low income families. And smaller communities, like Binghamton, New York, focus on teaching digital literacy skills to children and the unemployed.