Digital Equity
What is Broadband READY?
Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption + Digital Equity (READY) is a statewide initiative led by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband and the Illinois Innovation Network. READY’s mission is simple: bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to the internet, technology, and digital skills they need to thrive. The SIU System currently leads two READY teams covering the Southwest and Southern economic development regions in Illinois.
Our Work in Southern Illinois
Since 2020, the Southern READY team has focused on providing neighborhood-level access to devices and digital navigators. The team began by obtaining community input through a survey regarding access to affordable broadband and devices in their communities. With a better understanding of community broadband needs, SIUC team members set up a community technology center at the Eurma C. Hayes Center, ensuring residents have access to technology and internet resources.
What’s Next for the Southern Region?
The Southern READY team will continue to expand digital equity initiatives, focusing on increasing broadband access, training digital navigators, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations to reach more residents in need.
Our Work in Southwest Illinois
Since 2021, the Southwest READY team has brought together over 30 partners—educators, community leaders, nonprofit organizers, and tech experts—to deliver digital skills training and increase access to technology. We've developed a curriculum, provided stipends and devices, and hosted workshops in both English and Spanish. SIUE team members hosted a device distribution in partnership with PCs for People, during which over 200 laptops and desktops were distributed at no cost to recipients on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. Additionally, the team supported Illinois Broadband Lab 2023 Spring listening sessions hosted in East St. Louis, Centralia, Carbondale, and Ullin, gathering valuable community input.
What’s Next for the Southwest Region?
- Launching Midwest Connect: A digital hub powered by TechSTL, where digital equity advocates, industry professionals, and educators can share training programs and resources.
- Workforce Training Partnerships: Teaming up with area organizations to integrate digital skills training into their existing programs.
- Pop-up Computer Labs: With 20 laptops from previous funding, we can bring digital access directly to the community.
- Cybersecurity & Disaster Preparedness: Teaching digital safety to reduce cyber threats and helping residents safeguard documents digitally for faster disaster recovery.
Why It Matters
Access to high-speed internet and digital skills isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether for education, job opportunities, or disaster recovery, everyone deserves the tools to succeed in the digital world. By adding an American Connection Corp Lead for America Member to the team, outreach efforts expanded to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program, a now-expired $30/month FCC benefit program for income-eligible households. Following the data collected in year 1, the team also shifted emphasis to digital skills training, ensuring that community members not only had access to devices and broadband but also the knowledge and skills necessary to fully leverage digital resources for education, employment, and daily life.
Want to Get Involved?
Contact us to learn more about workshops, training programs, or partnership opportunities! Together, we’re building a more connected and resilient community!
