Learn about Digital Equity Month

Digital Equity Month 2024

September is Digital Equity Month, to raise awareness about the disparities in access to digital resources. This campaign highlights the digital divide affecting one in four community members who lack essential digital skills, devices, or connectivity.

Digital skills and connectivity are now essential for accessing news, employment, healthcare, and education. These efforts aim to raise awareness and create pathways to digital inclusion.

Over 40 organizations from across the region have made a commitment to support Digital Equity efforts. Organizations are wide ranging, from entities that serve our entire region, such as NCW Libraries, Confluence Health, and Microsoft to community-based organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Grant County, Unidos Sin Fronteras, and local school districts. Economic development partners are also actively involved, including leaders like The Economic Alliance of Okanogan County and NCW Tech Alliance. These collective efforts showcase the region’s commitment to digital equity and collaboration.

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“At NCW Tech Alliance, we believe that living where you love shouldn't limit potential. For over two decades, we've championed digital equity in our region, and the journey continues. Recognizing the hurdles many face—from infrastructure to skills—we're committed to leveraging technology as a catalyst for change, ensuring everyone has access and the capability to thrive,” stated Jenny Rojanasthien, Executive Director of NCW Tech Alliance.

2024 Digital Equity Plan Summary

NCW Tech Alliance, in collaboration with the NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition, is proud to announce the release of the 2024 Digital Equity Plan Summary, aimed at bridging the digital divide in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts and strategic actions being taken to enhance digital inclusion across North Central Washington.

Funded by the Washington State Broadband Office, the county-level digital equity plans were developed through the collective efforts of the NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition. These plans provide a roadmap to address digital disparities, focusing on expanding broadband infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring access to affordable devices. The goal is to empower all individuals in the community to fully participate in the digital world, irrespective of their background, income, language, education, or geographic location.

Special thanks to Digital Equity Plan Work Group members: Steve Maher, Our Valley, Our Future; Roni Holder-Diefenbach, Economic Alliance; Alma Chacon, CAFE; Jerry Perez, Community Health Network of Washington; Rubén Betancourt, Hispanic Business Council; Oscar Licon-Eusebio, NCW Equity Alliance; Barbara Walters, NCW Libraries; Jenny Rojanasthien, NCW Tech Alliance, Aaron Parrott, Skillsource; Wendy Brzenzy, Thriving Together NCW; Riva Morgan, Wenatchee Valley College; Summer Hess, Sage Step Consulting.