This webinar was part of the Marconi Society series on state-level planning to achieve broadband connectivity for all. Our expert panel included moderator Dawn Thurnau, Marketing Manager for the Missouri Research and Education Network; D’Mitri Farthing, Jr., Digital and Economic Opportunity Specialist at the Office of Broadband Development; Noah Washburn, Statewide Extension and Engagement Specialist at the University of Missouri System Office of Engagement; and Robin Westphal, State Librarian for the Missouri State Library.

A replay of this webinar is available here.

Strategic partnerships and innovative projects have led to success in fostering digital equity for residents of Missouri. Addressing the theme “Show Me Digital Equity,” representatives from key organizations in the Show-Me State shared how they are achieving measurable results in bridging the digital divide. Public engagement initiatives funded through the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) are providing the resources needed narrow the digital divide throughout Missouri. 

Dawn opened the webinar with an overview of MOREnet, the Missouri Research and Education Network. She described how MOREnet supports connectivity, cybersecurity, and professional development, providing network solutions, tool and resources for its 720 members who are all community anchor institutions. She then asked each of the panelists to briefly describe the digital equity initiatives within their organizations, and how they encourage community engagement and collaboration.

 D’Mitri: The Missouri Office of Broadband Development, established in 2018, was upgraded in 2021 from an “office of one” to one with a staff of about fifteen, administering over $2 billion in grant funds across four programs. The vision of the office is a Missouri where every citizen has broadband access and the ability to realize their full potential within the digital economy.

The Office of Broadband Development has been charged with developing a plan to ensure that the everyone in the state is able to get access to the digital resources they need. To understand community needs, the Office conducted a 41-site tour of the state over two years with support from University of Missouri Extension. The Office also works with MOREnet, the Missouri State Library, and local libraries to gather support in the communities and engage in promotional activities. Working together, these partners have achieved remarkable success in the effort to ensure digitally inclusive programming is available throughout Missouri.

Noah: The Office of Engagement reaches out to communities through all four universities in the University of Missouri System. Around 2017, a State Steering Committee was created in response to the push for internet adoption across the state. The Committee plays an important role in helping the Office of Broadband Development prepare federal grant applications for BEAD and DEA funding. These efforts include collecting information from targeted audiences through a household survey and focus groups conducted across the state. 

The Committee developed the MoBroadband.org website as a public resource to help Missourians connect to broadband. In addition, a connected community guide was created to collect local-level information on how to become digitally connected. Finally, a digital ambassador program trains volunteers to act as digital experts in their communities.

Robin: The Missouri State Library provides guidance and support for 160 public library districts within the state. Working with MOREnet, the Missouri State Library promotes digital literacy along with digital equity. In addition to funds coming through MOREnet, they administer federal funds to provide grants to public libraries in support of their technology needs.

Libraries play an important role in community outreach on digital equity and digital literacy. As trusted local organizations, local libraries are well positioned to “train the trainers” and function as a technology resource for the communities they serve. In addition to providing devices and network hotspots, libraries deliver the value-added education needed for people to overcome their fears and get online safely.

From discussions of community engagement and collaboration, the panel moved on to consider funding for digital equity, including public/private partnerships as well as state and federal funding. This was followed by observations on the impact of various digital equity programs and how results are measured. To close the webinar, Dawn asked each of the panelists to comment on future plans and what comes next for digital equity in their organization.

For the rest of this conversation, follow this link to the webinar recording.