News Update

Oakland campaign to raise $12.5 million to close digital divide reaches goal with $700,000 contribution from Zynga founder

A campaign to raise $12.5 million to help provide computers and internet access to Oakland students reached its goal within days after the founder of Zynga contributed the final $700,000 needed. This was on the heels of a $10 million donation last week by Twitter and Square founder Jack Dorsey to the “Oakland Undivided” campaign.

“The program created by OUSD and the city of Oakland will play a critical role in allowing students to be connected and develop the critical skills they will need to succeed and make a positive impact on the world,” said Mark Pincus, founder of the San Francisco-based online gaming company Zynga. “I was inspired by how quickly and generously Jack responded and I was excited to be able to complete the first phase of the program.”

Like Dorsey, Pincus tweeted his support in respose to a Tweet from Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. The money raised so far will help provide computers and internet access to all students who need them in Oakland Unified and in city charter schools for the coming school year.

However, the campaign is now embarking on a second phase of fundraising to continue providing computers and internet access to students every year, at an annual cost of about $4 million. In addition, the campaign would like to raise funds to improve internet access for residents citywide, technology for teachers and to provide computers to seniors graduating from high school for use in college.