The Capital Region Coalition for Digital Inclusion (CRCDI) hosted a two virtual convenings on March 10th “Digital Navigator Programs” and March 17th “Exploring Partnership Strategies and Project Opportunities.” The convenings provided an opportunity to learn from and connect with organizations engaged in digital inclusion, receive updates on local programs and opportunities, and share input on how CRCDI can provide support and network building within our region.

The March 10th convening, “Digital Navigator Programs” featured a presentation from the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) on its led efforts to address digital equity, including the CETF Call Center and digital navigator project “AB 617 Communities Empowerment Initiative” supported by CPUC CASF Adoption Grant award.

The March 17th convening, “Exploring Partnership Strategies and Project Opportunities” featured a panel discussion with the City of Sacramento IT, Color the Block, Sacramento Public Library, and CETF on strategies and partnerships in action to address the digital divide.

The Convenings were supported through funding from AT&T.

The December 5th webinar welcomed Broadband and Digital Equity stakeholders and organizations. Valley Vision presented regional digital inclusion and broadband updates; Scott Adams, Deputy Director of Broadband and Digital Literacy at the California Department of Technology (CDT) presented updates on the State’s Broadband for All Initiative; California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Commissioner Darcie Houck shared year-end updates across several projects, including the Federal Funding Account, Last-Mile Network progress, BEAD, CASF program changes, and more; Hawksbill Group facilitated the closing panel “Collaborating to Close the Gaps: A Discussion with Service Providers,” with insights from representative of Comcast, Race Communication, and AT&T on opportunities for engagement and collaboration to support local broadband deployment.

The June 23rd quarterly meeting  involved digital equity updates from the California Department of Technology (CDT) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), such as the Digital Equity Survey, DEEM Tool, and BEAD funding updates.

The March 10th quarterly meeting  featured Amanda Bergson-Shilcock from the National Skills Coalition, presenting on “Closing the Digital Skills Divide” – a report which found 92% of jobs in the U.S. labor market require digital skills. The Coalition also provided regional broadband and digital inclusion announcements, and discuss important updates in state and federal funding, along with the state’s digital equity plan.

The December 9th quarterly meeting  involved digital equity  featured a Year-in-Review reflection of the Coalition and focused on Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), featuring enrollment data for the Capital Region and several guest speakers offering insight on best practices and methods for helping communities get enrolled in ACP.

The September 23rd quarterly meeting highlighted digital navigators through a panel discussion consisting of local, state, and national digital navigator programs. The role of digital navigators is essential to ensuring digital equity, as digital navigators address the whole digital inclusion process — home connectivity, devices, and digital skills — with community members through repeated interactions.

The September 23rd quarterly meeting featured funding opportunities, tools for educating community members on their internet speeds, service bills, and rights, and how to use the CRCDI Digital Inclusion Portal to connect the community to local digital inclusion and digital literacy resources..