Advancing Digital Equity Newsletter | November 2021

Dear ECCF Friends,   It is with great excitement that Kate and I are reaching out to you all with this periodic update on Advancing Digital Equity in Essex County, ECCF’s collaborative initiative to expand digital access to the 60,000 households in our region where it is not currently a reality.   Since we kicked off this effort in June, we’ve engaged our coalition, embarked on projects to give free WiFi access to thousands of individuals and launched a countywide digital literacy pilot that will serve more than 50 residents in the next few months and hundreds thereafter.   Innovative collaborations – like the partnership between Tech Goes Home, MakeIt Haverhill and ECCF to increase the number of residents accessing digital tools and training in the Mount Washington neighborhood – are taking place all across Essex County. And ECCF is so proud to play a role in this critical work and share with you the news, stories and data from the frontlines of these efforts to bridge the digital divide.   We have accomplished so much, but we can only continue to move forward together. Please continue to reach out to us to let us know about possible locations for or partners interested in free WiFi and/or digital literacy programming, or if you want to share other ideas or opportunities. Sincerely,

Stratton Lloyd Executive Vice President & COO Kate Machet Director of Strategic Initiatives

ECCF News and Updates

In Haverhill's Mount Washington Neighborhood, More Residences are Getting Online Tech Goes Home and ECCF work together to provide adult learners with resources they need to connect to the digital world. Read the full article.

Gateway Cities Battle the Digital Divide Gateway Cities are teaming up with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to ensure a digital equity plan is put in place providing children with the resources they need before returning to school.  Read the full article.

Letter to the Editor: Narrowing the Digital Divide As the vaccine rollout in Massachusetts continues, digital inequity remains a key factor in vaccine equity regarding the necessary online resources needed to gain information, schedule, and connect. Read the full story.

Millions of Americans Lack Fast Internet Service, CR Survey Shows Millions of Americans struggle to pay for fast internet service, or find that is not available to them. Take a look at how Consumer Reports focuses on broadband infrastructure to support the need for digital inclusion. Read the full report.

Tech Goes Home Tech Goes home recently announced new partnerships with Essex County nonprofits to help connect hundreds of individuals with the digital tools and skills they need to access education, employment, housing and other opportunities. Read the full press release. Listen to the full interview.