each country has its own digital stock plan Demonstrate how successful digital inclusion efforts can advance other goals such as civic and social engagement, economic development, education, health care, and the delivery of essential services. For example, with widespread access to affordable, high-speed internet and digital skills, residents can access government services online, apply for jobs, take online classes, and utilize telehealth resources. You can. Although these missions are not the direct focus of the federal government, digital stock lawmeasures to increase broadband penetration will enable more households to enjoy the benefits of the digital economy.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 includes $2.75 billion for digital equity initiatives, including the Digital Equity Planning Grant and Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. All 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico have created digital equity plans under planning grant programs. These plans inform applications for funding through the Capacity Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to:Accelerating the achievement of digital equitysupport digital inclusion efforts and build capacity for efforts by states related to broadband adoption by residents of those states. ”
States are designing programs to fully assess the impact of connectivity on households. Digital Equity Planning Grant Announcement of funding opportunities Alignment between broadband policy and broader national policy objectives was needed. The Pew Charitable Trusts reviewed these plans in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The findings highlight that digital equity goals can directly and indirectly impact a wide range of policy areas.
civic and social engagement
Countries have emphasized the importance of digital inclusion to ensure equitable access to government services. for example, california The plan sets out a goal to increase the proportion of residents who use the Internet to apply for or access public benefits and other essential services by 34% by 2027 and by 50% by 2030. Masu. georgiaMeanwhile, we plan to integrate digital civic engagement into our digital skills framework for residents. The framework sets standards for digital skills proficiency that incorporates financial literacy, online safety, and other professional development services. and rhode island strives to ensure residents have the digital skills necessary to participate in community programs and public processes conducted online, such as government and public meetings.
economic development
Digital equity programs are needed in today’s job market (Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Upstate) You can also support your workforce’s upskilling goals by improving their digital skills. Carolinas, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington State), broadband and technology job creation (Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Montana, (Ohio, Vermont), increased remote work opportunities (Illinois, Indiana), Kentucky, Montana, Oklahoma). Other states are highlighting the important connections between agriculture, broadband, and digital tools and skills and how these applications can improve productivity, efficiency, and profits (Arkansas) , Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Virginia).
arkansasFor example, we plan to work with partners to develop agriculture-related digital skills training. The state will also consider digital skills curricula specifically for healthcare applications and small and medium-sized businesses. IndianaMeanwhile, it will encourage employers to provide home internet and home devices to their employees. and colorado hopes to increase the number of workers participating in broadband training programs and being employed in the broadband field.
education
Recognizing that digital skills are essential to education today, states should increase internet access and skills training in schools, provide devices to students, and provide opportunities for both children and adults to learn digital skills. are planning.
HawaiiFor example, we support student device usage throughout the year and extend free public Wi-Fi hours in public schools to better connect students and families.
illinoisMeanwhile, ensuring that all students and teachers have access to reliable internet and devices, increasing the percentage of school districts that provide parent/guardian training on technology and distance learning, and increasing access to online courses. I have set a goal. and arizona Plans to incorporate measures to advance K-12 education standards by creating a statewide “Seal of Digital Literacy” and recognizing students who have achieved high proficiency in digital skills. I am.
health
States are also linking digital equity goals with efforts to improve health outcomes through expanded telemedicine and access to medical records and monitoring. Some states and territories are planning to establish telehealth access points, which are dedicated public spaces for people to receive telehealth appointments (Arizona, District of Columbia, Maine, New Jersey; New York, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma). Incorporating telehealth-specific training into digital skills training (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina). or deploy health digital navigators (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa).
Ohio State has launched several school-based telehealth pilot programs that have provided telehealth access to approximately 22,000 students since the beginning of the 2020 COVID-19 public health emergency. We plan to build on our success. The state is considering expanding the program to other school districts. We also partner with OCHIN, a national nonprofit organization focused on equitable medical innovation and access to care for underserved communities. As the statewide telehealth administrator, OCHIN will help administrators in 10 districts plan such programs in their schools. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is also collaborating with Ohio State University to develop a modern telehealth platform to provide professional medical consultation to incarcerated people.
Providing other essential services
State plans generally focus on improving the accessibility of government websites and making government services widely available online. for example, idaho Works with state agencies to assess accessibility and improve functionality of state websites and enhance accessibility features of state government digital content. Idaho will focus on increasing the accessibility of websites that provide services and resources for veterans and people leaving prison.
digital equity It has become increasingly essential for full participation in modern economies and societies. National policymakers know that internet access has the potential to improve health, education, and workforce outcomes, ensuring more households can thrive. Including these goals in digital equity plans demonstrates the potentially far-reaching impact of expanding broadband access and digital equity.
Kelly Wirt works on internet access in vulnerable communities for the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Broadband Access Initiative.
