WOS' Smart Cities initiative addresses the growing need to prepare underserved youth and adults to live and work in what are becoming digital-based urban communities.  As cities compete for a larger share of the expected increases in urban populations, it is critical that their existing underserved communities receive the necessary education, training, and support to compete for the jobs that will be needed in these digital-based societies.

Through this initiative, WOS is expanding its “In the Community” operations to ensure that a digital divide among disparate populations does not create further unemployment. Through relationships with middle and high schools, WOS looks to expose students to STEM-based curriculums as well as provide support for adults that need to become more digitally proficient in their everyday lives. Our aim is to provide middle schools, high schools, and adults with the practical knowledge of digital technologies so they can play a more active role in their communities.

WOS facilitates this effort by bringing together companies and foundations that are interested in investing in Smart Cities. Our approach is to form collaborative bonds necessary to support the often overlooked talent within underserved communities that exist in urban cities.

 Our organization has identified goals and actions necessary for the continued success of Smart Cities:

• Increase the digital literacy of individuals living in underserved communities through providing training with a focus on mastering digital tools and managing their digital presence and participation.
• Leverage our expertise in the realm of workforce development to benefit companies and individuals in underserved communities as smart cities begin to evolve.
• Develop workshops that bolster the knowledge and application of 21st century employment-related skills so that participants have the capability to be valuable contributors to their community.
• Engage children in STEM education at an early, developmental stage to equip them with the knowledge they need to further succeed in the field.
• Close the tech skills gap amongst recent high school and college graduates as well as adults who are looking to switch careers.
• Garner support and funding from corporations and philanthropic leaders that are concerned with economic development and establishing poverty-reduction strategies for inner city communities.
• Drive economic opportunity, reduce poverty, and create more jobs for at-risk diverse populations.