National Digital Inclusion Alliance has named Northampton County as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, according to a news release posted on the Northampton County Facebook page. This national program recognizes the county’s efforts to close the digital divide.

Recognizing the array of interests and unique barriers of its community members, Northampton County joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers this year. NDIA awarded a total of 60 awardees representing municipal, county and regional governments, paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the United States.

In an increasingly connected society, digital inclusion — access to affordable high-speed internet, devices and digital skills training — is essential not only to participate in today’s world but also to find greater opportunities to thrive using tools to navigate the internet confidently and independently.

“Northampton County is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to the digital tools and resources necessary for success,” Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure said. “Achieving Digital Inclusion Trailblazer status reflects our dedication to bridging the digital divide and empowering our community members to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”

“In the past decade, we’ve seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive,” NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer said. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrate these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents.”

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Northampton County achieved trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through:

• Creation of Northampton County Digital Navigator Coalition

• Engaging the community by hosting digital device training and tech

• Tutorial events

• Creation of Northampton County Access Device and Giveaway program, providing refurbished county devices to county organizations and residents

• Meaningful engagement as a member of Keystone Internet

• Coalition

• Ensuring Web accessibility through ADA compliance

• Issuing a proclamation designating Oct. 7-11, 2024, as Northampton County Digital Inclusion Week

• Completing a countywide broadband survey and asset mapping to use data to inform digital inclusion

• Partnering with Kinber’s (Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research) PA Digital Navigator Ecosystem to request funding through the NTIA Competitive Digital Equity Grant program

• Reaching out to local internet service providers to encourage and provide support for applications to the federal Broadband, Equity, Access and Development (BEAD) program

NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers has set the national standard for excellent digital inclusion work since 2016. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local government ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers and plan their digital inclusion solutions.

NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,900 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training and tech support.

For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.