Anchors for Digital Equity 

The purpose of the Anchors and Digital Equity Policy Group is to advance digital equity goals and to advocate for increasing the role and contribution of anchor institutions in achieving these goals.  Anchor institutions such as schools, libraries and higher education institutions have historically been at the forefront of community equity initiatives and can and should make a significant contribution to this work in 2024 and beyond.

The SHLB Anchors and Digital Equity Policy Group advocates for Federal policies that promote universal access to affordable high-speed internet and devices, and digital literacy programs. To do this, we will engage with federal and state policymakers to support leveraging the expertise and resources of anchor institutions in achieving digital equity goals

The SHLB Anchors and Digital Equity Policy Group provides a forum for members to exchange information about organizational, state, and Federal programs and resources related to anchor institution digital inclusion initiatives that could be leveraged or replicated by other organizations.

November Meeting Summary

November 26, 2024: The group discussed aligning Capacity and Competitive Grants while addressing challenges like application burdens for smaller organizations. Accessible language, such as "digital opportunity," was recommended to engage diverse communities.

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are available to members here.

Focal areas of the group include:

  • Renewal of ACP funding in the near term, and for a permanent/long-term funding source to help consumers access high quality broadband.
  • Identify the critical role played by institutions of higher education in promoting access to affordable broadband for students, teachers and the surrounding communities.
  • Telehealth initiatives
  • Proposed bill to amend the Digital Equity Act to include AI literacy. See article.
  • Rollout of state digital equity plans
  • Assess existing USF programs (E-rate and RHC) and advocate for advancements that include digital equity considerations and goals
  • Support long-term funding solutions for the Universal Service Fund
  • Catherine Crago, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA)
  • Cameron Lewis, Digital Opportunity Coordinator, Office of Broadband, Virginia Dept. of Housing and Community Development
  • Hannah Buckland, Digital Equity Program Lead, MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development, Office of Broadband Development
  • Rebecca Ranallo, Literacy and Learning Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library
  • Madi Rogers, Director of Civic Innovation, City of South Bend
  • Patrick McGuire, Technology Equity Manager, City of South Bend
  • Donna Ohr, Deputy Director, San Diego County Library 
  • Juliet Yates, Broadband and Digital Inclusion Manager, Philadelphia
  • Kelleigh Cole. Director of Strategic Initiatives, UETN
  • Charlotte Bewersdorff, VP Community Engagement, Merit
  • Pierrette Dagg. Director of Research, Merit
  • Will Perez. Associate Director of Programs, KINBER
  • Larra Clark, Deputy Director, PLA and Public Policy & Advocacy, ALA
  • Kelly Wert, Senior Associate, Pew Charitable Trusts
  • Kimberlyn Jones, Digital Opportunity Program Manager, Kansas Department of Commerce 
June 2019
SHLB RESEARCH
The Economic Benefit of Keeping the "E" in "EBS"

Anchors for Digital Equity Co-Chairs

  • Tom Esselman
    Tom Esselman
    Executive Director Digital Equity Program Office of Greater Kansas City
    Co-Chair
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  • Rebecca Ranallo
    Rebecca Ranallo
    Literacy & Learning Director Cuyahoga County Public Library (216)485-9869
    Co-Chair
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  • Kristen Corra
    Kristen Corra
    Policy Counsel SHLB Coalition
    Staff Contact
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