About us
About the Berks County Digital Equity Coalition
The Opportunity: Leveraging Community Strengths
Many Berks County residents lack the necessary internet connectivity to carry out their daily activities…
In Berks County, like across the nation, unequal access to digital resources creates significant disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for reliable, high-speed internet, affordable access, and digital literacy more urgent. Many residents, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack the necessary connectivity and skills to succeed in today’s digital world.
The consequences of digital inequality are widespread. Students struggle with online learning, workers miss remote job opportunities, patients face barriers to telehealth services, and families have difficulty accessing essential services. These disparities not only hinder individual progress but also stunt community development and economic growth, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.
Recognizing the need to address these challenges, the Wyomissing Foundation launched the Berks County Digital Equity Coalition (BCDEC) in 2020. This coalition, consisting of educational institutions, healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations, is committed to developing a strategic plan to bridge the digital divide and ensure digital equity for all residents.
The Challenge: Confronting Digital Inequality
We seek to bridge the digital gap, especially in underserved areas of Berks County, to improve the community’s standard of living.
The Berks County Digital Equity Coalition brings together diverse partners to tackle digital inequity. By combining resources and expertise, the coalition tailors solutions to meet the community’s needs. BCDEC focuses on providing affordable, reliable high-speed broadband access across Berks County. Through detailed data analysis, they identify service gaps and partner with stakeholders to secure funding and implement expansion projects using technologies like fiber, cable, and 5G.
BCDEC also prioritizes digital inclusion by partnering with the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) to provide devices and training. Their initiatives target improving digital navigation skills in school districts with significant literacy gaps. The coalition’s efforts extend to critical sectors such as healthcare and education, with initiatives like the Berks Community Health Center (BCHC) program and the Reading Public Library’s bilingual Digital Navigator program, which is supported by ARPA funds, ultimately enhancing community connectivity.
Our Goals: Charting the Path to Digital Equity
The BCDEC seeks to ensure equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all residents of Berks County, thereby bridging the digital divide and fostering a connected, thriving community. To achieve this, BCDEC will:
01
Gather information about the current state of broadband in the county by conducting surveys and engaging with the community. Then, partners will work together to secure funding and technical support to improve broadband access using various technologies like fiber, cable, and 5G.
02
Ensure that everyone has the tools and knowledge to use the internet effectively. Devices will be provided to those in need, and community education initiatives will be launched to improve digital skills. Efforts will also be made to raise awareness about available resources and training opportunities.
03
Focus on supporting important areas such as healthcare and education. Efforts will be made to ensure that everyone can access essential health information online and that schools and libraries receive support for enhancing digital literacy. Additionally, bilingual digital navigators will be hired to assist residents in using the internet effectively.
04
Monitor the effectiveness of its initiatives by collecting data. from surveys, websites, and social media. This information will be used to evaluate the impact of the programs and make any necessary adjustments.
05
Explore new ideas, seek additional funding opportunities, and engage more partners to meet the evolving needs of the community. The coalition is committed to making lasting changes for everyone in Berks County.
