Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition Logo

About the Coalition

Closing the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.

MISSION

SHLB advocates for policies and programs that enable anchor institutions to obtain and promote open, secure, high-quality broadband services to support connectivity and opportunity for all.

VISION

For every community anchor institution and individual to have affordable, robust, and secure broadband services of their choosing, allowing people to enjoy a higher quality of life and participate fully in society, democracy, and the economy throughout their daily lives.

VALUES

SHLB fosters public, private, and civic collaboration to achieve our shared vision and mission. The ideals and principles set forth below guide our actions and interactions with our coalition members, anchor institutions, the broadband industry, government policymakers, and the public.

Mission Driven: We passionately and optimistically pursue broadband and digital opportunity policies for anchor institutions and their communities.

Inclusive: As a coalition of diverse members, we are collaborative and bring as many voices to the table as possible.

Visionary: We are forward-looking, embrace new technologies, and recommend policies that maximize the opportunities for anchor institutions in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Nonpartisan: We strive to build consensus, respect others' positions, and avoid partisanship whenever possible.

Knowledgeable: We dive deep into complex issues – using facts, research, and expertise to influence our policy recommendations.

SHLB Values

SHLB recognizes the vital role anchor institutions play in their communities. These nonprofit, public service organizations—including schools, libraries, and healthcare centers—serve as gathering places and provide essential services such as broadband access and hotspot lending. 

Community anchor institutions also include recreation centers, public housing, and houses of worship, acting as connectivity hubs for the wider community.

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to closing the digital divide by promoting high-quality broadband for Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs).

Based in Washington, D.C., SHLB advocates for the interests of all anchor institutions on broadband issues, highlighting their role as community hubs that offer critical internet access and services.

Through support for policies and funding programs like E-rate and Rural Health Care, SHLB ensures CAIs have affordable, high-speed broadband to better serve their communities and expand connectivity "to and through" these essential institutions.

Hear our founder explain the definition of a CAI:

John Windhausen founded the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition in 2009, with funding from the Gates Foundation, to address the shortage of adequate broadband connectivity for U.S. anchor institutions and their communities.

Under his leadership as Executive Director for 16 years, SHLB grew into a national advocate for digital equity, shaping policies that expanded high-speed internet access for schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other community organizations. His vision and dedication helped bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved communities had the connectivity necessary for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

SHLB combines a strong mission, elements of a “think tank,” and a diverse membership base that provides real-world experience to inform our research and policy recommendations. We are a non-partisan, fact-based advocacy organization that promotes broadband investment by both commercial companies and non-profit organizations, such as research and education networks, telehealth networks, and municipalities.
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