Boone EDC Launches Digital Inclusion Effort
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The Boone Economic Development Corp. is launching an initiative to address broadband access and digital skills. The Boone EDC says a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation and the Purdue Center for Regional Development will be used to pinpoint current barriers to digital inclusion.
The organization says it will gather survey data from business owners and residents over the next few months and use the data to implement a county-wide digital inclusion improvement plan. The plan will address affordability, access to reliable and internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy and skills.
“Through our conversations with employers, small business owners, and residents we know that digital gaps exist in our communities,” said Claire Collett, economic development manager. “These gaps affect current and future employment as well as our ability to strengthen our economy and prepare for future growth.”
The organization points to research from Purdue University that indicates 35% of Boone County workers ages 25-34 have no or limited digital skills and 50% of the county’s employees will need reskilling by 2025.
You can connect to more information about Boone EDC’s digital inclusion efforts by clicking here.