State of Illinois
Aug 2023- Mar 2024
In my time as a Digital Navigator, I worked closely with community anchor institutions, government officials, and internet service providers on broadband expansion to rural and underserved communities. I had to research statistics such as broadband coverage, the services that a particular internet company provided, and ask them specifics on their future build outs in the county.
Another major goal I accomplished was working to bridge the digital divide in North Central Illinois by creating a ‘learn to earn’ program between nonprofit computer distributors and digital literacy programs such as Northstar.
I created media, such as flyers, social media posts, videos and was interviewed on several news organizations for people to take action on the BEAD Challenge and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
My work was unique because of the level of outreach I took action on compared to other regions in Illinois. I often coordinated with fellow Digital Navigators on a state and nationwide level as the State partnered with the American Connection Corps, a program of Lead For America.
Our other partners included the Illinois Broadband Lab from the University of Illinois. The lab is an affiliate of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. Their goal is to advance digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act.
Some key players included:
The Assistant County Administrator of McLean County
The Assistant Regional Planner of McLean County
The McLean County Director of 4-H Youth Development
The Vice President of External and Government Affairs for Comcast
Presidents of smaller internet service providers such as Pavlov Media and CIRBN
The visiting Senior Coordinator for Broadband at the University of Illinois System
The Regional Superintendent of Schools for Regional Office of Education # 17
PSA: BEAD Challenge Process
I wrote, produced, and edited this video in one weekend before our kickoff event on the first of the month. This PSA was made to help McLean County receive grant funding from the state for high-speed internet. This video encourages residents to complete internet speed tests and submit to the status of their internet to the State of Illinois. My work was applauded by the Illinois broadband Lab which can be viewed below.
Feedback from the Illinois Broadband Lab on my work
Highlights can be found from 21:30 to 26:12.
Media Outreach
Media from when I was interviewed on the local news during my time as a Digital Navigator.
NBC 25 News
MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) - If you live in McLean County and can’t afford high speed internet, county leaders want to help you sign up for the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program.
More than 15 percent of McLean County residents live at or below the federal poverty level and cannot afford to have high-speed internet at home.
Next Monday, area leaders are holding an event to inform residents about their efforts to expand broadband across the county.
McLean County Accelerated Access Workgroup staff member John Scott says bridging the digital divide is just too important.
“Imagine your life without the internet, you can’t access public assistance programs, your kids can’t compete in school, you can’t work remotely when your kids are sick, you can’t monitor severe weather updates, the list goes on and on,” said Scott
That broadband expansion event is Monday Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Unity Community Center at 632 Orlando Avenue in Normal.
McLean County Rural Broadband Update 2/1/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCLcrfdVFE8
This press conference was a part of McLean County’s media kickoff event to encourage residents to take broadband speed tests before the BEAD Challenge ended. Local media from NBC, NPR, and key community partners were in attendance.
John Scott speaks from 16:13 to 19:25.
Illinois State University - TV 10 News
https://isu10news.com/tv-10-news-tuesday-october-3-2023/
For Digital Inclusion Week, McLean County talked about the basics of broadband, what the county is doing to expand internet access, as well as informing people about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), who can qualify for the service, and how to sign up.
NPR News
McLean County is moving to the second phase in its effort to get all its residents reliable internet access.
It’s now asking people countywide to test broadband speed at their homes or businesses to get a realistic idea of who’s lacking quality internet — or access altogether. The county’s goal is to secure funding, particularly to help the more rural areas, and the speed test will determine eligibility.
