Recognizing the array of interests and unique barriers of its community members, Northampton County joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers this year. NDIA awarded a total of 60 awardees representing municipal, county, and regional governments, paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.<\/p>\n
In an increasingly connected society, digital inclusion\u2014access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training\u2014is essential not only to participate in today\u2019s world but also to find greater opportunities to thrive using tools to navigate the internet confidently and independently.<\/p>\n
\u201cNorthampton County is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to the digital tools and resources necessary for success. Achieving Digital Inclusion Trailblazer status reflects our dedication to bridging the digital divide and empowering our community members to thrive in an increasingly connected world,\u201d said County Executive, Lamont G. McClure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past decade, we\u2019ve seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive,\u201d said<\/p>\n
Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. \u201cNDIA\u2019s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrate these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Northampton County achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:<\/p>\n
\u25cf Creation of the Northampton County Digital Navigator Coalition<\/p>\n
\u25cf Engaging the Community by Hosting Digital Device Training and Tech Tutorial Events<\/p>\n
\u25cf Creation of the Northampton County Access Device and Giveaway Program providing refurbished County devices to County organizations and residents<\/p>\n
\u25cf Meaningful engagement as a member of the Keystone Internet Coalition<\/p>\n
\u25cf Ensuring Web Accessibility through ADA Compliance<\/p>\n
\u25cf Issuing a Proclamation designating October 7-11, 2024, as Northampton County Digital Inclusion Week<\/p>\n
\u25cf Completing a County-wide Broadband Survey and Asset Mapping to use data to inform Digital Inclusion<\/p>\n
\u25cf Partnering with Kinber\u2019s (Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research) PA Digital Navigator Ecosystem to request funding through the NTIA Competitive Digital Equity Grant Program<\/p>\n
\u25cf Reaching out to local Internet Service Providers to encourage and provide support for applications to the federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) Program<\/p>\n
NDIA\u2019s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers has set the national standard for excellent digital inclusion work since 2016. Each applicant\u2019s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA\u2019s website. By sharing materials with open sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local government ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their digital inclusion solutions.<\/p>\n
About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,900 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit\u00a0digitalinclusion.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [Northampton County, PA]\u00a0\u2013 The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Northampton County as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. This national program recognizes the county\u2019s efforts to close the digital divide. … Continue reading Northampton County Recognized as One of the Nation\u2019s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers<\/span>
\nCounty of Northampton
\n669 Washington Street
\nEaston, PA 18042
\nhttps:\/\/www.northamptoncounty.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n
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