New Computer Distribution Launches Digital Inclusion Planning in Randolph County

— Written By and last updated by Jill Cofer
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N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center has received a grant for $5,000 as part of the BAND-NC Initiative. In addition, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center has received $5,000 from the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) to assist with digital inclusion efforts. With a combined $10,000, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center purchased 23 Chromebooks which were distributed to the Randolph County School System, Randolph County Public Library, and Randolph-Asheboro YMCA for their Y-Academy. Kenny Sherin, County Extension Director, said, “23 laptops will not fill the digital divide for everyone, but these laptops will help 23+ students achieve their remote learning goals.”  Patrick O’Hara, Executive Director of the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA stated, “The Y – Academy has enrolled over 160 children during this unprecedented time. With the addition of the Chromebooks, the academy will be able to help provide computers to the children who do not have access to computers to complete their goggle meets and homework.”two men holding computers outdoors

The Randolph County Library already has a lending program for WiFi hotspots and other types of technology to help close the digital divide. When asked how these computers will help Library Director, Ross Holt said, “We know there’s a critical need for access to both connectivity and devices for students to learn remotely. With our buildings closed due to the pandemic, it’s imperative for us to do as much as we can to help meet this need. Combined with the hotspots we check out and the parking lot WiFi we offer at all seven libraries, the Chromebooks will help fill the gap.”two men in library holding computers

The BAND-NC Initiative was created because COVID-19 is exposing the digital divide in North Carolina and its consequences for all of us. In response to this immediate need, the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State (IEI) in partnership with the Broadband Infrastructure Office at the NC Department of Information Technology, and with principal support from the John M. Belk Endowment, is addressing the digital divide across North Carolina through a new program called “Building a New Digital Economy” (BAND-NC). BAND-NC will provide rapid-response community innovation mini-grants to communities across the state.

two men holding computers

Launching Digital Inclusion Planning

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center will be launching the second part of the BAND-NC Initiative, which is developing a Digital Inclusion Plan for Randolph County. Digital Inclusion Planning is a community-building effort that documents the county’s digital assets and then works to close the gaps in digital access and opportunities. A well-researched and documented Digital Inclusion Plan will help county organizations in their application for grant funding to close the digital divide in Randolph County.

When asked about the importance of closing the digital divide, Shenna Creech, Director of Digital Teaching and Learning for Randolph County Schools said, “Closing the digital divide is essential to ensuring educational equity for all students. All students and families must have access to high-speed internet and a device to access educational resources and opportunities.”

“The digital divide has been an issue for a long time and the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the deficiencies in digital access and usage. The time is right to work together to develop innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide in Randolph County,” Sherin said. Beyond the pandemic, digital access and utilization will continue to be an issue. Commerce, health care, and productivity will increasingly become dependent on adequate digital connections. Without this intentional effort to close the digital divide, economic opportunities for county residents will decrease moving forward.

If you are interested in learning more about the Digital Inclusion Planning process in Randolph County contact Kenny Sherin at 336.318.6000 or by email at kenneth_sherin@ncsu.edu.