Home Internet Access

Providing digital access to individuals and businesses where it’s needed.

%

of Fiberhoods connected

Low-cost computers to families

Students Enrolled in Training Classes

Wireless mesh networks

The Opportunity

High-speed fiber cannot reach its full potential if large segments of our population are excluded from its benefits. We must ensure that all residents — especially those in disadvantaged groups — have access to technology and the equipment and skills to use it. The need to bridge the digital divide is inherent in most, if not all, of the plays in this playbook. Internet access helps pave the road to success in today’s society, and people who don’t have broadband access may be isolated from many of the opportunities afforded to those who do.

The Solution

Pilot projects addressing Digital Inclusion should not only provide high-speed Internet access in locations that will help drive community development and strengthen neighborhoods, but also provide the education and training that residents need to develop digital literacy skills. We recommend the following steps to ensure digital inclusion in the Greater Kansas City region:

  • The leadership network should identify existing community-based programs and groups that are working on this issue and determine how to support them moving forward.
  • Kansas City, Mo. and the Unified Government should develop strategies for inclusive public access at anchor institutions connected to Google’s high-speed fiber network, such as schools, community centers and libraries.
  • Work with organizations such as One Economy on longer-term strategies for digital inclusion.

Benefits & Outcomes

    • Impact the regional economy by helping residents gain employment skills.
    • Higher quality of life through improved access to public services and social, financial, cultural and informational resources.
    • Demonstrate measurable increases in technology access and digital competence.

Projects in action

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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Connecting for Good

The only nonprofit for digital inclusion, Connecting for Good provides wireless mesh networks, community technology centers, low-cost refurbished PCs and free digital life skills classes.

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Computer Refurbishing

Thanks to nonprofits like Connecting for Good, certified, refurbished PCs can be produced for as low as $50-$75 to low-income families.

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News

Defining Digital Discrimination

NDIA defines digital redlining as “discrimination by internet service providers in the deployment, maintenance, or upgrade of infrastructure or delivery of services. The denial of services has disparate impacts on people in certain areas of cities or regions, most frequently on the basis of income, race, and ethnicity.” KC Digital Drive was recently invited to […]

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Local agency to host U.S. Secretary of Education and FCC Chairperson as part of “Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar”

KC Digital Drive (KCDD) central to community efforts to help students, families, and educators access broadband internet service KANSAS CITY—September 2, 2023 — On Tuesday, Sept. 5, local nonprofit KC Digital Drive will host U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on the first day of their “Back […]

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Partners