Interview With Digital Skills Instructor David Scurlock in Milwaukee, an Everyone On Focus Region

Conducted by Jessica Scadron, VP of Strategic Partnerships + Communications

How did you become interested in digital equity and inclusion work?

I started in digital training and instruction early in my career decades ago. I worked for IBM early on, starting in sales and then transitioning into training and development. At that time, IBM was considered one of the best in the world for training

employees, which is why I selected them as one of my first jobs. Educating and training end users was part of the sales process at IBM. That's when my real passion for training was developed. 

Every other role afterward was in the training and education space, teaching technology in some capacity or another. 

As digital literacy became even more important because of things like flat screen TVs and connected home devices, I realized just how crucial those skills were becoming in the workplace. Using PCs, email, internet - it was changing everything.

What made you decide to become a digital skills instructor?

After over 30 years in the corporate world, I wanted to apply my expertise more directly to underserved communities. That's when I connected with Everyone On, through a local Milwaukee United Way event.

I met Thami, senior program manager at Everyone On and I was hooked. I researched the organization and was really impressed by the mission and approach. I knew I had to be part of this team.

Why did you choose Everyone On as the organization for which you provide instruction?

I liked the curriculum - it provided a good digital skills foundation. But more than that, I was drawn to the population we serve. I grew up in the inner city of Milwaukee, so I have a personal connection to the communities that Everyone On works with, those with little to no digital skills.

David Scurlock, Everyone On Digital Skills Instructor in Milwaukee, WI

What keeps you motivated to teach digital skills to under-resourced communities?

Working primarily with seniors in underserved populations is incredibly rewarding. I see how important these skills are for them, whether it's getting better jobs, supporting their families, or just interacting with the world in a more efficient way.

I never forget the excitement, and sometimes even tears, when a class participant accomplishes something they didn't think they could do. They'll ask when the next class is, and if they can bring someone else. 

I see how important these skills are, but also how well-received the training is. And I genuinely enjoy doing it. As a lifelong learner, I'm always picking up new things from every class I teach. It keeps me learning and seeking out new information and teaching techniques.

“I never forget the excitement, and sometimes even tears, when a class participant accomplishes something they didn’t think they could do. They’ll ask when the next class is, and if they can bring someone else. ”

As an instructor, do you have any observations of the relationship between women and the digital divide? 

In a lot of cases, the women I work with are supporting their kids and grandkids. That was my own experience growing up, with my grandmother and mother encouraging our education. I see that same dynamic in the classes I teach.

When I ask the women why they're there, it's often to go back to work, or to help their kids and grandkids in school. COVID really brought that to light, with families struggling to use Zoom and other digital tools for remote learning.

What is one thing you want people to know about the digital divide that you see in your work as an instructor?

Digital skills are not an option anymore - people must have them, and internet access. The divide has to be closed. It's part of the solution to getting folks out of poverty.

When I go into reintegration centers, no matter what age, I know those skills will keep people from reverting back to whatever troubled them in the first place. I'm doing something that's helping society, in the community I was born and raised in. I see the issues and problems, and I want to be part of the solution.