20 years of low-cost internet efforts in Philly

Philadelphia City Council last week approved extending Verizon’s franchise agreement until 2029. Part of the recent deal to continue Verizon’s presence includes an agreement to build out broadband internet service in recreation centers across the city.

The effort expands free internet access to Philadelphians at a time when federal subsidies are winding down. Nearly two decades of digital efforts later, Philadelphians have witnessed several movements toward advancing equity, many of which were cut short by lack of funds.

➡️ Read about the major milestones in Philly’s digital equity history

5 free career workshops in Delaware

Finding free resources, often funded by state or county initiatives or sponsor companies, isn’t always easy.

Here are five no-cost workshops in Delaware for people looking for entrepreneur resources, job advancement or a whole new career. These opportunities may be in-person or online, and all are offered by Delaware organizations.

➡️ Check out the events in Holly’s roundup

News Incubator: What else to know today

• The White House released a list of internet service providers that will continue to offer low-cost internet plans for $30 per month or less despite the Affordable Connectivity Program ending. Comcast and Verizon are both on the list. [White House/Techncial.ly]

• Benefits Data Trust released its 2023 Impact Report. The national nonprofit says it helped secure $182 million in direct benefits for about 120,000 people last year. [BDT/Techncial.ly]

• The Camden School District, Camden County Police Department and other Camden orgs partnered with tech education nonprofit Hopeworks for a program that will address truancy. [NBC10/Techncial.ly]

• Carl June, the researcher behind the first FDA approved CAR T-cell therapy, is working on a new “armored” CAR T-cell therapy. [Philly Biz Journal/Technical.ly]

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Deep dive into generative AI at Philly Tech Council’s AI for Everyone event on June 5. The free event will feature lightning talks, guest speakers and an opening keynote. [Details Here]

• The WICT Network’s Tech It Out conference will take place at the Union League on June 6. This year’s theme focuses on the transformative potential of AI. [Buy Tickets]

• The Enterprise Center’s Visionary Pitch Competition is on June 6. 10 companies will pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win $250,000 [Register Here]

• Coded by Kids is celebrating its 10th anniversary on June 6 at the Center for Design Philadelphia. [Buy Tickets]

• Attend rePhil on June 10 to connect with the local tech scene. It’ll feature three talks from the Philly AWS Meetup group, and proceeds go toward organizations aimed at promoting diversity in tech. [Register Here]