Event Details
$30 million in funding is available - is your community ready?
SCACED's Broadband Digital Equity Series will convene nonprofit leaders to participate in a broadband adoption effort. As $30 million in funding becomes available, this series will equip nonprofit leaders with the tools needed to leverage the funding to maximize adoption in their community. This series will address three critical focus areas during three lunch sessions:
- Workforce development | Wednesday, September 11
- Featuring guest speaker Nina Staggers, SC Department of Workforce Development
- SC local leaders have an opportunity with the unprecedented federal funding to close the digital divide. The Digital Equity Act Programs lift the voices of under-serve populations by providing workforce transformational services. Following local leadership, this session will explore best practices and program models utilized on-the-ground to connect employer and employees to close the economic gap. Join us and learn how employers and service providers are creating opportunities for economic prosperity.
- Telehealth | Thursday, September 12
- Featuring guest speaker Kathy Schwarting, Palmetto Care Connections
- Digital health equity is becoming a frequent topic of discussion. However, before we can engage people in their health via technology, we must address the inequities surrounding technology — access, use, and literacy. Join us and learn the role of the State to ensure everyone has high quality internet and how rural health professionals are closing health disparities using technology.
- K-12 digital literacy | Friday, September 13
- Featuring guest speaker Dee Albritton, Fast Forward
- Why is digital equity important? Digital equity has been an issue in rural SC, due to lack of devices and access to Wi-Fi. Research on COVID-19 pandemic impact cite Black, Latinx and Indigenous students from low-wealth communities were the most impact. Under National Telecommunication, and Information Administration, Internet for All, Digital Equity Plan will provide resources to the State to close the digital gap. Join us and learn about the resources available, model programs and how community-based organizations, institutions of higher education can ensure Internet for All South Carolinians.
The people who are most affected by the digital divide are low wealth and rural areas, and as the state has made progress in expanding broadband access, many areas still struggle with broadband adoption. Attendees will learn about:
- South Carolina's Digital Equity Plan
- South Carolina's broadband funding
- Their local community's broadband needs and barriers
- South Carolina's model for telehealth, digital literacy, and workforce development programs
- Local resources available
Following the series, attendees will receive broadband data specific to their community and a webinar covering the digital equity grant application. Each session will be held from 11:00AM - 1:00PM each day at Brookland Banquet & Conference Center.
Attendees will select which sessions they would like to attend. Tickets are $10 per session and lunch will be provided.
