UNITED TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
We seek to advance digital equity and inclusion in the Chippewa Valley by improving access to the internet, devices, digital skills training, and tech support for households faced with barriers. The internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity to connect students, workers, and families with the resources they need to succeed in the world. Whether its gaining education, accessing healthcare, managing finances, growing careers, or connecting with family and friends, we know that those impacted by the digital divide do not have the same opportunity to participate in society.
WHY IT MATTERS
- 63,112 households in the Chippewa Valley are not able to use broadband home internet
- 34,820 households in the Chippewa Valley have no computer at home
- 65% of households that do not subscribe to broadband in Wisconsin face a cost burden
- The following populations are most at risk of being left behind: Adults 60+, Veterans, individuals with disabilities, members of a racial or ethnic minority group, rural residents, individuals with a language barrier, ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) households, and incarcerated individuals
WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE
We will ensure digital equity & inclusion for all Chippewa Valley community members. Community members will have the resources they need to access the internet in an affordable way that meets their needs.
KEY TACTICS
- Broadband Access – increase the number of reliable and affordable internet service connections.
- Devices – increase supply of high-quality, cost-efficient devices.
- Digital Skills Training – increase training for usage of devices.
- Tech Support – increase tech support to assist residents with device issues.
OUR IMPACT
Since the Digital Equity & Inclusion Initiative began in 2022:
8,974
Chippewa Valley households enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program as a result of community outreach and enrollment efforts
250+
devices distributed to households in the ALICE population
35+
partners collaborating with us to bridge the digital divide
Technology Resources
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps households pay for home broadband by providing a discount of $30 per month toward broadband service plan of choice for eligible households. The ACP wind-down process is currently in effect. The wind-down is happening because the $14.2 billion allocated to fund the ACP will run out at the end of April 2024 unless Congress takes action to extend it. Due to the current lack of additional funding, the FCC has begun to wind-down the ACP. This means:
1. ACP applications and enrollments were paused after February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
2. Households who had applied, were approved, and were receiving the monthly internet discount before February 8, 2024, will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out, as long as they remain enrolled in the program.
3. Once the ACP funds run out (the FCC has announced that the last fully funded month will be April 2024), households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discount.
To stay updated on the status of the ACP, click the button below.
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley offers high-quality, cost-efficient refurbished devices to those who qualify. View eligibility information below. Order a device today or check back soon for upcoming device distributions.
Technology Training | Computer Checkout | Hotspot Checkout
Printing, Copying, Scanning | WiFi
Know of a resource that isn’t listed on our page? Contact Amber Scharenbroch via email at DigitalEquity@uwgcv.org or phone at (715) 834-5043.
Have a question? Contact Amber Scharenbroch via email at DigitalEquity@uwgcv.org or phone at (715) 834-5043.