Merit Network

Michigan Communities Unite to Build a More Connected Future A research brief from our founding member, the University of Michigan, highlights how communities across Michigan are coming together to create innovative solutions for digital access. From Traverse City to Marshall, municipalities are pioneering approaches that bring high-speed internet to more residents. https://lnkd.in/eVD4dPuJ These community-driven initiatives are already showing promising results - from increased home values and economic opportunities to more equitable access to education and essential services. Research suggests that when communities take an active role in their digital future, they can achieve lower broadband costs while ensuring no neighbor is left behind. Through partnerships and local innovation, Michigan towns and cities are demonstrating that every community deserves reliable, affordable internet access. Together, we're building pathways to ensure all residents can participate in our increasingly connected world, from completing homework to accessing healthcare and job opportunities. #ConnectedMI #GoBlue #DigitalEquity #InternetForAll

Today we celebrate National Rural Health Day and the #PowerOfRural! ?? At Merit Network, we believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of location. Through our partnership with UAMS e-Link, we're proud to help healthcare providers and teaching institutions enhance their connectivity – in both rural AND urban areas. Did you know? Your organization may qualify for up to 65% reimbursement on connectivity costs through the Healthcare Connect Fund if you provide healthcare services OR offer healthcare education. Our Member Engagement team is here to guide you through the process. Contact us at [email protected] to learn how your organization can participate in this program while supporting digital equity in healthcare. Together, we're building stronger, more connected healthcare communities across Michigan. ??

Congratulations to our founding member Wayne State University on receiving the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)'s Innovation and Economic Engagement Connections Award! Merit Network was purpose-built to support Michigan's higher education institutions in driving innovation and economic growth. We're proud to continue this mission alongside partners like WSU.?

On November 20, we join the global GIS community in celebrating Geographic Information Systems Day! This technology doesn't just help us understand our world—it helps us connect it. As we mark GIS Day's 25th anniversary, we're reminded that every data point on a map represents an opportunity to strengthen our communities. Through the Michigan Moonshot initiative, and the expertise of our own Amy Stuyvesant, GISP and Matthew Custer, we use GIS tools to visualize and understand connectivity across our state. By providing access to broadband data and mapping resources, we help communities pinpoint where connections are needed most, transforming data into real solutions for Michigan residents. Ready to explore the power of geographic data? Access our mapping resources at https://lnkd.in/eMbJJ7wz and join us in building a more connected Michigan. #GISday #GIS25 #DigitalEquity #MichiganMoonshot #MeritNetwork #ConnectedCommunities

Proud to see our GIS Specialist Amy Stuyvesant, GISP recognized as an Esri GIS Hero in Telecommunications! Amy's innovative work in digital equity mapping and data analysis helps create more connected communities across Michigan.?

Michigan digital inclusion champions, we need your help! ?? The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) is updating their nationwide inventory of digital inclusion coalitions. This data will help build stronger connections and resources across our digital equity community. Why participate? ? Put Michigan's digital inclusion work on the map ? Help shape future resources and tools ? Connect with other coalitions nationwide ? Strengthen our collective impact The 10-minute survey closes this week. Let's make sure Michigan's voice is heard in this important national conversation! Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/dXs7ssWr Together, we're building a more connected Michigan. ?? #DigitalInclusion #DigitalEquity #Michigan #ConnectedCommunities

November 14 is World Usability Day, celebrating this year's theme "Designing for a Better World." At Merit, this vision guides our work to create digital spaces that welcome and serve everyone. From bridging the digital divide through our Michigan Moonshot initiative to greater open access via MOON-Light enabled Dark Wave services, we believe technology should unite, not divide our communities. When we design with all users in mind, we create opportunities for everyone to participate fully in our digital world. Our commitment to thoughtful, inclusive design shapes how we deliver internet connectivity, educational resources, and technical solutions across Michigan. Join the global conversation about designing a better world at worldusabilityday.org and explore how Merit is working toward this vision at merit.edu/initiatives. #WorldUsabilityDay #DesignForGood #DigitalEquity #Accessibility #MichiganMoonshot #MeritNetwork

Excited to share this insightful conversation featuring our CEO Roger Blake on the Culture Eats Everything Podcast with Phoenix Performance Partners! Learn how Merit Network's commitment to digital equity and collaborative leadership helps create meaningful change in our communities through education and non-profit partnerships. #CultureEatsEverything #Leadership #DigitalEquity #NonprofitTech

We're dedicated to keeping our community cyber-safe! As artificial intelligence platforms become more prevalent in our daily work, it's crucial to understand that not all AI tools are created equal. Some may be spoofed versions designed by cybercriminals to collect sensitive information. When using AI tools, your data matters. These platforms collect and store user interactions, conversations, and feedback - some of which may be reviewed by human AI trainers. If malicious actors breach an unsecured platform, your information could be compromised. Stay cyber-smart by choosing only legitimate, well-known AI platforms for your interactions. Take time to verify the platform's authenticity and review its privacy policies before sharing any information. Learn more about our cybersecurity services at merit.edu/security #WatchOutWednesday #CyberSecurity #DigitalSafety #AI #MeritNetwork

Merit Network's own Roger Blake talks about the path to CEO, and what it means to be a purpose driven leader of a purpose built organization. https://lnkd.in/er5pmdeb