Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

North Carolinians will now be able to access community resources that support internet affordability, access to computers and digital devices, digital skills and literacy, tech support and free Wi-Fi with one call thanks to a partnership between the NCDIT's Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and NC 211. NC 211 is an information and referral service powered by United Way of North Carolina and 47 local United Ways that offers free and confidential information to callers on health and human services within their local communities. https://bit.ly/40QXlyR

Hello Kerr-Tar Region! We have a plethora?? of funding ??opportunities included in this issue of our bi-monthly newsletter??. Please reach out to our office with any ??technical assistance?? needs you may have. https://conta.cc/4fkKMQC

We're Hiring! View the available job positions below and visit www.kerrtarcog.org to learn more. Interested applicants should email and submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

??It's DAY 4 of Digital Inclusion Week! ?? Today, we’re focusing on YOU and your access to broadband! ??? This is your chance to voice your experience with internet access at home or your business. The North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, in partnership with the Friday Institute at NC State University, is launching a quick 5-minute survey to gather essential data on internet connectivity across North Carolina. ?? Let your voice be heard! Click the link below to participate in the survey and help shape the future of internet access in our state: ?? Take the Survey: https://lnkd.in/dSXpbJY ?? No internet? No problem! You can still contribute by texting (919) 750-0553 to take the survey. Together, let's ensure everyone has the connectivity they need!? #DIW2024 #NCDigitalAccess #digitalequityNOW #DigitalInclusion

?? Welcome to DAY 3 of Digital Inclusion Week! ?? We've explored the concept of digital inclusion, but now let's dive into digital equity. Check out the definition below to discover what digital equity means and how it has transformed. Digital divide is the issue. Digital equity is the goal. Digital Inclusion is the work. Click the link below to learn more about NCDIT's Digital Equity Plan! https://lnkd.in/eAvGHYrs? #DIW2024 #digitalequityNOW #DigitalEquity #InclusionMatters

??It’s DAY 2 of Digital Inclusion Week! Access to digital technology is a right, not a privilege, and building a world in which everyone has access to technology takes all of us. Join us in amplifying the importance of bridging the digital divide together. ?? Want to learn more about digital inclusion? Join the special DIW Virtual Events: Digital Inclusion 101 on Wednesday October 9, at 2 p.m. and The Digital Inclusion Program Manual and How To Use It! on Thursday, October 10, at 2 p.m. #DIW2024 #DigitalInclusion #digitalequitynow Register Now: Digital Inclusion 101: https://shorturl.at/F8DdA The Digital Inclusion Program Manual and How To Use It!: https://shorturl.at/R1fdk

It's Digital Inclusion Week until October 11th! Our regional project manager, Amanda Lewis is currently recruiting members for local members of Franklin, Person, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties to volunteers on the Kerr-Tar Regional Digital Inclusion Committee. Lets work together to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the technology and skills needed to thrive in today's connected world #DIW2024

The EPA is now accepting applications for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities assistance program. This program supports communities in identifying strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their main streets. To learn more and apply, visit: https://bit.ly/3yLNG0T. Application deadline is October 16 at 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PT.

The chair of the FCC says the commission is expanding an existing program and will now subsidize WiFi on school buses and next year will add subsidies for WiFi hotspots. The changes are a response to the end of the popular federal Affordable Connectivity Program that helped bring broadband service to many households with limited incomes. https://ow.ly/ex9k50T6bb7 Read our original Rural Center analysis here about how the end of the ACP in North Carolina is expected to disrupt service for an estimated 276,000 rural households: https://ow.ly/iEwf50T6bb8 #Education #Broadband

Please take a look at our just-released newsletter for updates on our Rural Listening Tour and our new Rural Issues Poll and also see how you can register for offerings from our leadership and faith teams. We're also sharing the latest news from our partners. https://ow.ly/UB3y50ThC1n