Connecting Missouri: Show Me Digital Equity!

A discussion about the successes and lessons learned from Missouri’s collaborative efforts to foster digital equity across Missouri. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, the newly created Department of Economic Development’s Broadband Office, University of Missouri Extension, the Missouri State Library and Missouri Research and Education Network have spearheaded groundbreaking projects aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to technology and resources for all Missourians.

Our panelists will delve into the strategies that create synergies between statewide organizations, leveraging resources and expertise to promote digital equity effectively—with measurable results. From establishing the State Steering Committee to developing interactive websites and implementing a facilitator program, our speakers will share their experiences and insights on driving impactful change in Missouri’s digital landscape.

This webinar will highlight the extensive public engagement initiatives undertaken by the panelists, facilitated by funding from pivotal sources such as the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). Learn how these resources empower communities to challenge existing maps and advocate for equitable access to digital infrastructure and services.

Discover how the partnership has extended its reach by equipping public libraries and nonprofit organizations with facilitator training programs. By empowering these local institutions to serve as resources for underserved communities, our panelists have made significant strides in narrowing the digital divide and fostering inclusive access to technology across Missouri.