In Summit County, a concerted effort is underway to address the persistent issue of digital inequity. County Executive Ilene Shapiro, aligned with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), spearheads Digital Inclusion Week from Monday to Friday. This initiative focuses on critical aspects of digital inclusion: affordable internet, access to suitable devices, and digital skills training. The County of Summit press release notes that in the region, 12% of households are without broadband access, disproportionately impacting low-income, older, and Black residents.
The county is taking actionable steps to combat this disparity directly. Summit Connects, a local broadband project, aims to lay down the necessary infrastructure to provide communities with high-speed internet at affordable rates actively. According to statistics cited in the County of Summit press release, the groundwork set by Summit Connects will enable governments, non-profits, and businesses to collaboratively work to efficiently ensure that community members are not left behind in an increasingly digital society.
Another arm of the county’s fight against the digital divide is its campaign against the rise of sophisticated online scams. "Outsmart the Scam," an educational series created by Shapiro and Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich and Sheriff Kandy Fatheree, teaches residents to recognize and halt scams effectively. A forthcoming workshop on October 19 at Tallmadge High School will feature sessions tailored to varying digital skill levels. "Outsmart the Scam Workshop" is poised to offer hands-on assistance to help residents navigate the digital terrain, states the official County of Summit press release. Furthermore, additional scam safety resources are available for residents via the county’s website.
Forward-moving in their quest for digital equality, the county has formed a Digital Equity Steering Committee. One of the committee’s key projects is the development of a digital asset map, a tool to readily aid residents in locating nearby digital resources. The initiative is part of a broader plan, including an application for a $12 million federal grant to fund digital navigators. These navigators are set to significantly extend the county's reach, helping those cut off from vital day-to-day online interactions, details the County of Summit press release.