Community Education & Awareness

Taking the lead in shaping our digital future.

%

of Fiberhoods qualified

neighborhood representatives reached

Opportunity

It is incumbent on KC Digital Drive and its partners to promote digital competency, engaging residents and making them aware of all that high-speed Internet has to offer. We must encourage digital literacy among area residents of every socioeconomic status, as well as promote responsible and appropriate use of the Internet.

Solution

The digital leadership network should:

  • Work with neighborhood leaders and community organizations to identify gaps in digital literacy and develop training programs to address them.
  • Work with schools and other organizations to develop training and mentoring programs for new computer users of all ages.
  • Work with neighborhoods, schools and community organizations to encourage productive use of the Internet.

Outcomes

KC Digital Drive will envision, outline and assist with the implementation of a Digital Inclusion Plan for the entire Kansas City metro.

Projects in action

Digital Divide Simulation

The Digital Divide Simulation is a new experiential event designed to illustrate the real-life impact and compounding challenges faced by individuals with limited access to technology. The event asks participants to step into a persona’s shoes and experience their life through a well-articulated sequence of activities and obstacles.

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Cord-Cutting Workshops

“Cord-cutting” is an emerging trend where people aim to reduce their cable TV bill or completely get rid of their cable service altogether by taking advantage of free or low-cost streaming options instead.

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MO Goes Tech

Organizations are invited to apply for the first MO Goes Tech cohort, and each selected organization will receive a $2,000 microgrant that includes $1,000 for a stipend for the staff trainer and $1,000 is unrestricted funds to boost digital service capacity.

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Civic Innovation Challenge – Connecting Underrepresented Youths with Employment Opportunities

This is a $1M National Science Foundation-funded project that aims to support the Kansas City region’s youth by boosting work readiness and cultivating occupational identities. The project will help young people access more opportunities through innovative civic technology and a youth-centered app, and by specifically studying the transportation behavior of youth, and offering shared-mobility options like bikes, transit, and micro-transit services.

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KC Goes Tech

New microgrant program helps expand the ability of community organizations to include digital training in their offerings, and to network more effectively with existing digital literacy providers.

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News

New Effort Offers Steep Discounts on Internet Access

Eligible Households in Kansas City Metro Can Save up to $30/Month KANSAS CITY— July 26, 2023 — Eligible households in the Kansas City metro area can now sign up for steep discounts on their monthly internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has contracted with KC Digital Divide to help […]

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Connecting All Missourians – Kansas City Listening Session Recap

On March 10th, the Missouri Office of Broadband Development held a listening session in Kansas City as part of their Connecting All Missourians public engagement process. The purpose of the listening session was to gather feedback from the public about broadband and digital inclusion needs in the community, and share more information about the work that is being done by the Broadband Office across the state. 

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KC COVID-19 Recovery Fund Opens RFP to Boost Digital Equity in the Region

The KC Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund invites community non-profit organizations and libraries to submit requests for funding to help area adult residents and households enroll in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), obtain computer devices to make use of the internet in homes, and gain skills through training and technical assistance.

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Partners

Our partners in Digital Inclusion.
Kauffman Foundation
Connecting for Good
Local Investment Commission