SOAR is a regional nonprofit that champions local projects and advocacy for the 54 Appalachian counties in Eastern Kentucky. Communities across the region are located in broadband deserts and lack the fast, affordable, reliable access they need. The grant enables SOAR to create a digital equity master plan and provide communities in the region with a detailed model for winning state and federal broadband funds. Once established, Connect Humanity will work with SOAR to share the model with other Eastern Kentucky communities.

Colby Hall, Executive Director of SOAR said: “We understand the importance of connectivity and what it means to the viability of our region moving forward and our plan for economic development. We need fast, reliable internet to power business creation, enable remote work, and reverse the population outflows we are experiencing. When I visit community leaders, they all recognize the value and impact of last-mile connectivity, but the question always is ‘How do we physically do it?’. This grant from Connect Humanity helps answer that question.”