President Obama announced the $6.4-million grant on Saturday, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Officials say it will create more than 50 new public computer centers in the city and offer internet access to 14,000 more people every week.
"With the economy like it is, I myself can't afford a computer and people here are helping me with my resume," Schofield Fisher of West Philadelphia said.
Officials say nearly half of Philadelphia's residents don't have access to the internet.
The stimulus award will provide 800 computers to Philadelphia Fight, a comprehensive AIDS service organization, to expand its computer lab at its AIDS Library and at dozens of other centers in West, South and North Philadelphia.
"We have worked with many, many organizations to make this happen and create a proposal that reaches 77 sites," Director of Education for Philadelphia Fight, Juliet Fink, said.
"The exciting thing about this is that we're driving a capability across the city in some of the poorest areas of the city to provide them, effectively for free access to computers and the development of training programs," Chief Technology Officer Allan Frank said.
The grant is also expected to generate more than 90 full and part-time jobs in the city.
For many centers like AIDS Library, it'll increase hours during the week and on weekends. That is welcomed news to those who depend on the availability of the support staff and the computers.
Philadelphia officials say the city will provide more than 3 million dollars in matching funds, in the form of cash, existing facilities and staff, all aimed at breaking down the barriers that are keeping so many people from joining the workforce.