Bridging the Digital Divide
in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged
Communities in the South

Summary

Vital to Rural Economic Development (AFRI’s Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities priority) is equitable digital access. Digital equity means all individuals have digital (internet) capacity needed for full participation in our society and economy. Digital equity is essential for economic viability and quality of life. This project's goal is to identify and address digital equity challenges facing socio-economically disadvantaged (SED) communities in the Southern Region.

The research identifies unique challenges facing these communities along with the capacity of the 1890 Extension Service to respond.

Objectives

Use both survey and public data to identify digital equity challenges facing SED communities in the South;

Gauge capacity of Extension Service in 1890 Land Grant Universities to respond to SED community needs related to digital equity;

Examine how SED individuals use broadband to advance quality of life as compared to non-SED individuals; and

Synthesize findings to guide future investments and practices.

Documents and Media

Report: Individual Digital Capacity Survey Results

Webinar Video: Understanding the Digital Equity Landscape

PowerPoint: Understanding the Digital Equity Landscape

Partners