Bill Overview
Title: Investing in Digital Skills Act
Description: This bill includes digital skills and digital literacy as components of adult education and literacy programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Sponsors: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Adults requiring improved digital skills and literacy
Estimated Size: 20000000
- Digital literacy is increasingly relevant globally as digital technology becomes pervasive in all aspects of life.
- Many countries are investing in programs to improve digital literacy among their populations.
- There is a global workforce that requires continuous updating of digital skills to stay competitive in the job market.
- Global internet penetration rates indicate that a significant portion of the global population has access to the internet and digital devices.
Reasoning
- Out of approximately 20 million adults who could benefit from improved digital skills in the US, this program would need to prioritize high-need groups given its budget constraints. Therefore, adults already involved in workforce training programs or those unemployed or underemployed would be the primary targets.
- The policy aims to integrate digital literacy into existing adult education, meaning it would leverage already established infrastructure and networks, thereby reducing implementation costs but also limiting immediate expansive reach.
- Given the budget and the estimated target population, not every person needing digital skills will be served immediately, especially considering the financial breakdown over ten years, indicating a gradual roll-out strategy.
- Subpopulations less involved in workforce programs or in rural areas might see a delayed or reduced impact.
- This program's measurable impact is likely a gradual improvement in employment opportunities, job performance, and eventual earning potential for digitally literate individuals.
Simulated Interviews
Administrative Assistant (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any opportunity to improve my digital skills; this is crucial for my job.
- Access to affordable training is a significant barrier for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe ongoing digital education is important, especially for software updates and new tools.
- However, I usually find what I need online or through short courses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Unemployed (Rural Iowa)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to digital skill programs could be life-changing for me, especially in such a rural area.
- There's a real need for online learning platforms here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Construction Worker (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see much need for digital skills in my current job, but I'm open to learning.
- Training often seems like it's meant for office jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Hospitality Manager (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Digital skills are increasingly important in hospitality, especially for managing online reservations.
- Policy support for training could help us keep up with competitors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (New York City, New York)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Digital skills are critical in my studies and future career.
- I already have access to various learning resources; this policy seems more beneficial for those without such access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Automation is a big concern in our industry, and digital skills might help keep my job relevant.
- I’ve never really been good with computers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Entrepreneur (Miami, Florida)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving digital skills could help grow my business by reaching more customers online.
- It's sometimes hard to find the right resources for business owners.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
IT Consultant (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These policies are needed but I'm less likely to be directly impacted as my skills are already advanced.
- I support such measures as they may bring more business to my field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retail Associate (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m looking to transition into a digital role, so more training would be ideal.
- Training through work programs would make such a career shift easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $400000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $500000000)
Year 2: $450000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $550000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $600000000)
Year 5: $550000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $650000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Integration with existing programs requires collaboration with educational institutions and digital service providers.
- The effectiveness of digital literacy programs is contingent upon the accessibility of technology and the internet.
- Ensuring sufficient funding to sustain and expand the program long-term is crucial for its success.