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Digital Divide = the gap between those who have “equitable and meaningful access” to computers and those who don't... the growing gulf which leaves people behind in education, employment, and social advancement.

According to the 2001 census report, the United States is "A Nation Online". Over 50% of U.S. households have access to the Internet and the rate of new Internet subscribers is growing by two million new Internet users a month. Digital technology is a mainstay of the modern world.

In the Information Age, the digital divide is a concern because those who may be lagging behind in technology skills now will have even less opportunity for vocational and educational advancement tomorrow.

The following statistics account for those who remain unconnected according to "A Nation Online" a report issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2002..

By Age
By Wealth
By Race
By Location
By Education
In the School System

By Age

It is Young Vs. Old (previously compiled statistics)
8% of Seniors use the Internet.
35% of those between 45-64.
50% of those 35-44 use the Internet.

By Wealth

It is Rich Vs. Poor

• 75 percent of people who live in households where income is less than $15,000 and 66.6 percent of those in households with incomes between $15,000 and $35,000 remain off-line

By Race

• 68.4 percent of all Hispanics and 85.9 percent of Hispanic households where Spanish is the only language spoken remain off-line.

• 60.2 percent of African-Americans remain off-line
  

By Location

The greatest work access is in city.
The greatest home access is in the suburbs.
The least work and home access is in the rural areas.

By Education

• Adults with low levels of overall education - 60.2 percent of adults (age 25+) with only a high school degree and 87.2 percent of adults with less than a high school education remain off-line.

In the School System

Only 1/3 of all teachers feel qualified to integrate technology into their teaching. Experts recommend 30% of school budget be used on technology instead of the current spending of 3%.