NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition

The NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition brings together organizations, public utilities, government agencies, community groups, and stakeholders across Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to address crucial issues related to digital access and equity in our region.

This group aims to complement the efforts of existing Broadband Action Teams and localized digital equity efforts with a regional approach to help make our efforts more visible and bring more funding to this region.

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.

NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition Members

Our Vision

All individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, race, or other factors, have equal opportunities to access and effectively use digital tools and resources.
The primary goal of the Digital Access and Equity Coalition is to bridge the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to and can effectively utilize digital technologies and those who do not. This gap can hinder individuals and communities from fully participating in the digital age, limiting their access to information, education, employment, and healthcare.

Coalition Outcomes

Enhanced Access for Covered and Underserved Populations

One of the primary outcomes of a digital access and equity coalition is an increase in digital access for underserved populations.

By advocating for improved infrastructure, affordable internet plans, and subsidized devices, the coalition can help bring digital technologies and internet connectivity to communities that previously lacked access.

Increased Visibility for Digital Equity Work Across North Central Washington

The coalition's efforts can help bridge the digital divide, making it more apparent what work is already being done to narrow the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. This can lead to more equitable opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, information access, and social engagement, thereby reducing inequalities in society.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

The formation of a coalition brings together diverse stakeholders from various sectors. This collaboration facilitates knowledge sharing, best practices exchange, and coordination of efforts.

The coalition serves as a platform for organizations and individuals to learn from one another, leverage resources, and collectively address digital access and equity challenges.

Improved Funding for NCW

Organizations, stakeholders, and community members will work collectively toward securing increased funding for digital access and equity initiatives. By advocating for funding from government agencies, foundations, private sector organizations, and other sources, the coalition can raise awareness about the importance of investing in digital inclusion and bridge the digital divide.

The coalition's collaborative efforts can make a stronger case for the need for financial resources to support initiatives such as broadband infrastructure development, digital literacy programs, affordable internet access, and device subsidies.

Digital Equity Plans

The Washington State Department of Commerce and State Broadband Office provided funds to support the capacity of teams in counties and regions across Washington State to create Digital Equity Action Plans.

Each region’s plan captures a picture of current circumstances in that region and future actions, an important step in determining how to plan and implement projects that will extend digital access. These regional Digital Equity Plans will also be used to inform Washington State’s plan, impacting how future federal and state infrastructure funds will be used for future projects and broadband expansion.

Join Our Quarterly Meetings

Join the Digital Access and Equity Coalition! This regional gathering is aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and driving positive change in the realm of digital access and equity.

September 26, 2024

3-4 p.m. Pacific Time
Join Call

January 23, 2025

3-4 p.m. Pacific Time
Join Call

Press Releases & News

9/9/2024 Press Release
NCW Digital Access & Equity Coalition Releases A Regional Digital Equity Plan to Help Raise Awareness about Digital Inclusion in North Central Washington
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3/27/24 Press Release
NCW Tech Help Digital Equity Commitments Campaign
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8/9/23 Press Release
September is Digital Equity Month in NCW.
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5/2/23 Press Release
Community Leaders Encouraged to get Involved in Digital Equity: Feedback Needed by May 12.
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3/16/2023 Press Release
NCW Digital Equity Initiative Kicks off with Two Digital Navigator Launch Events.
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1/26/2023 Press Release
Community Health Network of Washington Receives $1 Million Digital Navigator Grant to Extend Digital Access and Equity Resources to North Central Region.
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Sign Up for Coalition Updates

Submit your email to join the quarterly NCW Access and Equity Coalition meetings and receive updates about other digital equity opportunities.