Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Virginia Community Action Partnership
To advance efforts to bride digital divides in Southwest Virginia, VACAP has coordinated two connectivity plans: one for the LENOWISCO region (Lee, Scott, Wise Counties, and Norton City) and another for Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Washington Counties, and Bristol City. Developed through the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, these plans detail strategies to expand broadband use through targeted digital adoption programs, while preparing these communities for upcoming federal funding opportunities.
Connectivity Plans
While there has been significant investment in broadband infrastructure in the region, more work it needed to further extend connectivity and adoption. By addressing remaining connectivity challenges, these connectivity plans aim to enhance access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, empowering residents to fully participate in the digital economy.
Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties & City of Norton
The plan for the LENOWISCO region will address gaps in broadband access by focusing on initiatives that improve service affordability, expand access to digital devices, increase the availability of broadband access points, and provide hands-on support from digital navigators.
Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Washington Counties & City of Bristol
To overcome barriers to digital adoption, this plan outlines a range of interventions to expand access to infrastructure, reduce costs for subscribers, and increase digital literacy. There is a large emphasis on partnerships with local organizations to expand access to technology and skills training.
AppCAA is proud to partner with Connect Humanity to further our goal of providing digital equity and digital navigation services. It enables us to expand the support of the communities by providing additional wrap-around services to our participants.
People Inc. has been providing services to low-income families in Southwest Virginia for over 60 years and is pleased to partner with Connect Humanity to meet goals of transcending human service delivery with technological and digital skill innovations.
What’s Next
Together, VACAP, AppCAA, and People Inc. are pursuing funding to help get residents the tools and resources they need to connect and thrive in the digital age.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
