The battle to close the digital divide continues.

The latest combatant is Qualcomm Inc., a California-based digital and wireless communications provider. Qualcomm has pledged $25 million for educational programs in Southern California.

The digital divide is the technology gap between wealthier communities that can afford the latest computing and online services and equipment, and poorer communities that aren't "wired" to a significant degree.

The company designated several universities to receive the award: the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) and the new Foundation for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Education.

UCSD will receive $15 million in matching funds over five years to help create a telecommunications/information systems research institute at the school. This effort is part of a larger project to launch three science and innovation research institutes within the University of California system.

San Diego State will get $6 million over three years to boost math and science learning skills in general, and for K-12th grade students specifically.

The new math and science foundation will get $3 million over 3 years to boost "student achievement in math and science in kindergarten through twelfth grades" in San Diego, Qualcomm reports.

Cal State, San Marcos will get $1 million over two years to support its new business administration college.

According to Dr. Irwin Mark Jacobs, Qualcomm's chairman and CEO, the digital divide is a concern for business because it directly affects the work force. Young adults coming out of high school and college without the proper tech training mean a smaller pool of potential employees for companies to choose from.

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