Chester County
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Premise
In today’s society, access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet combined with adequate computer devices, digital literacy instruction and support, and timely and appropriate technical assistance are essential for all residents.
The Internet is the gateway to information and products and services across every aspect of society – healthcare/telehealth, education, workforce development, remote workplace and communications, social services, job search, career advancement, and so forth.
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce supports and endorses the goal of “Internet for All” – inclusive of digital equity and digital literacy, and we strongly suggest that every aspect of local government and planning, as well individual practice areas, include a digital equity component in their strategic vision and planning horizons.
In today’s society, access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet combined with adequate computer devices, digital literacy instruction and support, and timely and appropriate technical assistance are essential for all residents.
The Internet is the gateway to information and products and services across every aspect of society – healthcare/telehealth, education, workforce development, remote workplace and communications, social services, job search, career advancement, and so forth.
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce supports and endorses the goal of “Internet for All” – inclusive of digital equity and digital literacy, and we strongly suggest that every aspect of local government and planning, as well individual practice areas, include a digital equity component in their strategic vision and planning horizons.
Mission
To advocate and advise Chester County constituents about gaining access to high-quality and affordable Internet services, devices, and digital literacy at places of residence, employment, and libraries, and helping citizens, municipalities, and anchor institutions and requesting them to become partners in creating solutions.
Vision
To empower all Chester County residents with the capabilities and competencies to effectively use all that the Internet affords:
To advocate and advise Chester County constituents about gaining access to high-quality and affordable Internet services, devices, and digital literacy at places of residence, employment, and libraries, and helping citizens, municipalities, and anchor institutions and requesting them to become partners in creating solutions.
Vision
To empower all Chester County residents with the capabilities and competencies to effectively use all that the Internet affords:
- Access to high-speed, reliable, affordable fiber-based internet access regardless of where one lives, the population density and existing infrastructure (wires, utilities, poles, and rights of way)
- Ownership of high-quality hardware (devices) and software that enables residents to take full advantage of Internet content and to “chart their own course.”
- Access to a full-complement of digital skills & literacy training to ensure that all residents have the skills and capabilities to take full advantage of Internet features and materials that they need to succeed, to create their own opportunities.
- County-wide technical and use/application support to assist all residents in fully understanding Internet offerings, costs, options, and technical issue resolution.
Definitions
Digital Equity
Digital Equity ensures that all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. (Benton Institute)
Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. (American Library Association)
Digital Equity
Digital Equity ensures that all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. (Benton Institute)
Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. (American Library Association)
Current Goals of the Chester County Digital Alliance (CCDA)
Special Announcement:
CCDA's advocacy message will receive an endorsement by the County Commissioners. Accomplished.
CCDA's advocacy message will receive an endorsement by the County Commissioners. Accomplished.
- Chester County Libraries will have digital navigators working with boots on the ground in the broader community providing what is needed to obtain affordable access and digital literacy. (Grant being submitted)
- Provide municipalities and anchor institutions with information being currently offered from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) for grant proposals and assistance, so as many of those organizations as possible will apply for funding.
- Continue to educate the public on issues that impact digital equity, such as affordability and device programs, digital navigator services, consumer education, and the need for high-quality broadband infrastructure.
- Provide targeted monthly communication to Chester County residents, businesses, and organizations including, but not limited to, the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce (SCCCC), the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), the Chester County Library System (CCLS), Non-profits, and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) listservs.
- Deliver targeted outreach to municipalities that are in need of better Internet coverage to inform them of available grants and opportunities.
- Recruit more advocates to the CCDA committee representing the various fields of endeavor.
- Ensure that Internet service providers (private, public, local non-profit) are accountable for providing service to all residents in a community.
- Establish county-wide robust digital navigator organization and staff (e.g.; libraries, schools, non-profits)
- Build a digital equity organization, staff and funding/budget focused on long-term sustainability of the Digital Equity infrastructure and environment.
- Build and maintain relationships and advocacy with key government and community organizations and leaders:
- Local (County, Township, Borough) and state officials, organizations & representatives
- Community anchor institutions (schools, universities, community colleges, libraries, social service, Chambers of Commerce, Rotaries, etc.)
- Commerce (workforce development, employers, retail, dining, entertainment)
- Healthcare (hospitals, clinics, local provider organizations)
- Establish and staff a robust “back office” administrative organization and staff
- Public and Private funding outreach (grants)
- Data and statistical analysis to report on outcomes achieved versus goals
- Data gathering and analysis on connectivity services provided (location, speeds, costs)
- Data gathering and analysis on digital skills/literacy outcomes versus goals (# sessions, # trained, digital proficiency, community impact)
Community Engagement
The community will be able to engage:
The community will be able to engage:
- Advances in technology-related healthcare offerings (Virtual doctor visits; virtual disease monitoring; virtual mental health counseling; virtual behavioral health counseling & services; virtual registration for public and private healthcare support and subsidization; federal, county and state healthcare services)
- Enabling healthcare options and services to rural communities
- Enabling broader participation in healthcare-related research, clinical trials
- Lifelong learning opportunities through the public library system (overall literacy, digital skills/literacy development, more options for those with learning challenges – dyslexia, autism)
- Education and skills development at all levels and through all means – public schools, community colleges, universities, trade schools, online learning
- Superior emergency management services (police, fire, ambulance) enhanced via ubiquitous Internet access.
- Particularly in first-responder situations
- Expansive workforce development – online learning, online skills development, online job notifications and applications, online remote job opportunities)
- Enabling workers to earn a higher wage to help improve their ability to compete for jobs
- Creating investment opportunities for new and existing businesses; address workforce shortages
- Participation in all personal, professional and civic opportunities, events, and engagements regardless of transportation limitations and geographic separation
- More equitable legal representation for all residents in the community
- Participation in all commerce-related activities enhanced by Internet capabilities – electronic commerce/shopping, banking/insurance/financial services, retail engagement, dining/restaurant engagement.
GOOD NEWS!
On February 2, 2023, a Southern Chester County Digital Equity Coalition Zoom meeting was held. An update was given on the SCC broadband assessment conducted by Magellan Advisors and the work of the digital literacy program.
Along with this information, an announcement was made that the current Coalition is now the Chester County Digital Alliance. This means that the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) will take the lead, along with the support of the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) and current volunteers, Joan Holliday, Jim Mercante and the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.
The Chester County Digital Alliance is preparing for a grant submission in the summer of 2023. As a first step, the Alliance is seeking additional granular data about poor or no Internet or cell service to homes and businesses in Chester County. Each municipality was sent the below letter on March 2, 2023 to reach out to their residents to learn of these problems. This outreach will continue for the next couple of months with follow-up phone calls.
Email Letter sent on March 2, 2023
Dear Chester County Municipality,
On behalf of the Chester County Digital Alliance, the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC), the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), we are reaching out to municipal leadership to help us plan for the delivery of internet services and broadband capability to those who do not have service or access to service within your community.
In the coming months, there will be a series of funding opportunities through the Pennsylvania Broadband Infrastructure Program and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, to help address gaps in coverage and larger scale regional projects; but we need to know where those gaps in coverage exist today. Your local neighbors would typically want to inform their municipality that they do not have any coverage, and armed with the addresses of these residents/businesses (not names just street addresses) we will be able to develop a better informed county-wide map that can help begin the deployment of services.
What We Need: If you have a resident who has informed you that they do not have access to these types of services, we would welcome knowing their address to make them part of future planned improvements. By asking your residents to let you know if they are experiencing this at their homes or offices, we can help plan for a solution for them in the not too distant future. Please consider adding this request to any of your township/borough/city newsletters or hardcopy mailings sent to your residents as well as sharing this at public meetings, asking your residents to advise you on outages or gaps. The more people we can identify the better the solution we can provide.
The time is now to plan for the future of our county and we need your help to provide the best solutions possible. You can send addresses that you come across to me directly via email and I will add them to the county-wide list. A volunteer from the CC Digital Alliance will identify themselves in a follow up phone call the week of March 27 and April 10 allowing you to gather information that we will collect during these phone calls.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email.
Sincerely,
MaryFrances McGarrity
CCEDC, CCPC, CCIU
Chester County Digital Alliance
On February 2, 2023, a Southern Chester County Digital Equity Coalition Zoom meeting was held. An update was given on the SCC broadband assessment conducted by Magellan Advisors and the work of the digital literacy program.
Along with this information, an announcement was made that the current Coalition is now the Chester County Digital Alliance. This means that the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) will take the lead, along with the support of the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) and current volunteers, Joan Holliday, Jim Mercante and the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.
The Chester County Digital Alliance is preparing for a grant submission in the summer of 2023. As a first step, the Alliance is seeking additional granular data about poor or no Internet or cell service to homes and businesses in Chester County. Each municipality was sent the below letter on March 2, 2023 to reach out to their residents to learn of these problems. This outreach will continue for the next couple of months with follow-up phone calls.
Email Letter sent on March 2, 2023
Dear Chester County Municipality,
On behalf of the Chester County Digital Alliance, the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC), the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), we are reaching out to municipal leadership to help us plan for the delivery of internet services and broadband capability to those who do not have service or access to service within your community.
In the coming months, there will be a series of funding opportunities through the Pennsylvania Broadband Infrastructure Program and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, to help address gaps in coverage and larger scale regional projects; but we need to know where those gaps in coverage exist today. Your local neighbors would typically want to inform their municipality that they do not have any coverage, and armed with the addresses of these residents/businesses (not names just street addresses) we will be able to develop a better informed county-wide map that can help begin the deployment of services.
What We Need: If you have a resident who has informed you that they do not have access to these types of services, we would welcome knowing their address to make them part of future planned improvements. By asking your residents to let you know if they are experiencing this at their homes or offices, we can help plan for a solution for them in the not too distant future. Please consider adding this request to any of your township/borough/city newsletters or hardcopy mailings sent to your residents as well as sharing this at public meetings, asking your residents to advise you on outages or gaps. The more people we can identify the better the solution we can provide.
The time is now to plan for the future of our county and we need your help to provide the best solutions possible. You can send addresses that you come across to me directly via email and I will add them to the county-wide list. A volunteer from the CC Digital Alliance will identify themselves in a follow up phone call the week of March 27 and April 10 allowing you to gather information that we will collect during these phone calls.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email.
Sincerely,
MaryFrances McGarrity
CCEDC, CCPC, CCIU
Chester County Digital Alliance
History
Joan Holliday, a retired Public Health Nurse and Jim Mercante, a retired past owner of a tech business called together a virtual Coalition meeting composed of a broad-spectrum of community representatives in March of 2021. Many of the meeting attendees had experienced firsthand the issues with Internet connectivity for virtual learning and working from home throughout Southern Chester County.
As a result of the first meeting, Chester County Community Development secured a $200,000 grant from the Department of Labor to conduct a Broadband Assessment under the management of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). Magellan Advisors was hired as the contractor, and the study was completed in July 2022. The boots on the ground study helps develop options for a connectivity plan with grant applications to build a robust broadband network.
Joan Holliday, a retired Public Health Nurse and Jim Mercante, a retired past owner of a tech business called together a virtual Coalition meeting composed of a broad-spectrum of community representatives in March of 2021. Many of the meeting attendees had experienced firsthand the issues with Internet connectivity for virtual learning and working from home throughout Southern Chester County.
As a result of the first meeting, Chester County Community Development secured a $200,000 grant from the Department of Labor to conduct a Broadband Assessment under the management of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). Magellan Advisors was hired as the contractor, and the study was completed in July 2022. The boots on the ground study helps develop options for a connectivity plan with grant applications to build a robust broadband network.
Digital Literacy Pilot Project
The second phase of the project was the Digital Literacy Pilot Project, launched in the summer 2021 after a virtual Coalition meeting was called by Joan and Jim. RSVP, a King of Prussia-based non-profit organization agreed to provide digital literacy training, as they had access to a curriculum they developed with seniors during the pandemic. The model of education is train-the-trainer. Trusted agencies are identified that serve the vulnerable---low-income, non-English speakers and seniors. The employees from these agencies are trained, then following their training, they in turn train their clients in a one-on-one or classroom setting.
In 2021-22, RSVP developed the digital literacy curriculum for the Chester County Digital Equity Pilot Project to conduct classes. Training materials are available in both English and Spanish. Joan and Jim recruited funds from the local community and received a $15,000 donation from Square Roots Collective, a collection of social enterprises that join in advancing the Kennett Square community toward an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive. Matching funds of $5,000 were also received from each of the following organizations: American Mushroom Institute, United Way of Southern Chester County, and Kennett Longwood Rotary/Gundaker. In addition, a private donor contributed $11,700 for a digital literacy platform/Moodle for RSVP to assist agencies conducting the training. In 2021, the overall cost of the program was $53,000, and it is expected to be approximately $100,000 for 2022.
The second phase of the project was the Digital Literacy Pilot Project, launched in the summer 2021 after a virtual Coalition meeting was called by Joan and Jim. RSVP, a King of Prussia-based non-profit organization agreed to provide digital literacy training, as they had access to a curriculum they developed with seniors during the pandemic. The model of education is train-the-trainer. Trusted agencies are identified that serve the vulnerable---low-income, non-English speakers and seniors. The employees from these agencies are trained, then following their training, they in turn train their clients in a one-on-one or classroom setting.
In 2021-22, RSVP developed the digital literacy curriculum for the Chester County Digital Equity Pilot Project to conduct classes. Training materials are available in both English and Spanish. Joan and Jim recruited funds from the local community and received a $15,000 donation from Square Roots Collective, a collection of social enterprises that join in advancing the Kennett Square community toward an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive. Matching funds of $5,000 were also received from each of the following organizations: American Mushroom Institute, United Way of Southern Chester County, and Kennett Longwood Rotary/Gundaker. In addition, a private donor contributed $11,700 for a digital literacy platform/Moodle for RSVP to assist agencies conducting the training. In 2021, the overall cost of the program was $53,000, and it is expected to be approximately $100,000 for 2022.
Collaborating with Trusted Agencies in the Chester County
Pilot Agencies for Train the Trainer: *RSVP (Lead Agency), Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County, The Garage Community and Youth Center,
Good Samaritan Services, Kennett Area Senior Center, Kennett Consolidated School District, Kennett Head Start, Kennett Library, LCH Health and Community Services, Mighty Writers, Oxford Library, Oxford Neighborhood Services, PathStone Corporation, South Mill Champs Mushrooms, Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Unionville/Chaddsford School District, and YoungMoms
Pilot Agencies for Train the Trainer: *RSVP (Lead Agency), Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County, The Garage Community and Youth Center,
Good Samaritan Services, Kennett Area Senior Center, Kennett Consolidated School District, Kennett Head Start, Kennett Library, LCH Health and Community Services, Mighty Writers, Oxford Library, Oxford Neighborhood Services, PathStone Corporation, South Mill Champs Mushrooms, Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Unionville/Chaddsford School District, and YoungMoms
*RSVP: Founded in 1973, RSVP utilizes a growing corps of dedicated volunteers to meet the evolving needs of vulnerable community members throughout the Greater Delaware Valley. To help bridge the digital inequity faced by adults and seniors, RSVP created the Digital Technology Training program to provide direct online instruction covering internet safety, email, use of web browsers, apps for smartphones, and a Zoom user’s guide. This program was further adapted to include a train-the-trainer component offered to member organizations of the Southern Chester County Community Coalition, providing their staff with the materials to offer training to their members. Learn more: www.rsvpmc.org
Our Progress
Digital Literacy
In 2021-22, RSVP developed the digital literacy curriculum for the Chester County Digital Equity Pilot Project to conduct classes. Training materials are available in both English and Spanish. Joan and Jim recruited funds from the local community and received a $15,000 donation from Square Roots Collective, a collection of social enterprises that join in advancing the Kennett Square community toward an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive. Matching funds of $5,000 were also received from the American Mushroom Institute, United Way of Southern Chester County for $5,000 and the Kennett Longwood Rotary/Gundaker for $5,000. In addition, a private donor contributed $11,700 for a digital literacy platform/Moodle for RSVP to assist agencies conducting the training. The overall cost of the program was $53,000 in 2021 and be around $100,000 in 2022.
Digital Literacy
In 2021-22, RSVP developed the digital literacy curriculum for the Chester County Digital Equity Pilot Project to conduct classes. Training materials are available in both English and Spanish. Joan and Jim recruited funds from the local community and received a $15,000 donation from Square Roots Collective, a collection of social enterprises that join in advancing the Kennett Square community toward an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive. Matching funds of $5,000 were also received from the American Mushroom Institute, United Way of Southern Chester County for $5,000 and the Kennett Longwood Rotary/Gundaker for $5,000. In addition, a private donor contributed $11,700 for a digital literacy platform/Moodle for RSVP to assist agencies conducting the training. The overall cost of the program was $53,000 in 2021 and be around $100,000 in 2022.
Lessons Learned
Early on in the process, we realized that this was much greater than schools and virtual learning; a significant constituency in Chester County, in each school district, was underserved or unserved with regard to broadband access. It quickly became apparent that the Internet is not just about education-it is a fundamental tool essential for daily living.
Digital Inclusion – access and literacy – involves workforce development – such as learning a trade, access to electronic tools for learning, healthcare, access to financial services, access to government services and programs, commerce – starting a business, entrepreneurship, and more. As an example, we know that an area of great concern is mental health services. There are numerous organizations that offer mental health support services via the Internet, including virtual counseling services. Great organizations such as “A Child’s Light” offers mental health counseling to residents of Chester County between the ages of 2 and 18.
Affordable access to robust Broadband Connectivity and Digital Skills are key elements for building a thriving and diverse community. Along the way we connected with the Digital Equity projects in the City of Philadelphia to learn from their experiences. We joined the National Digital Inclusion Alliance which is where we learned of another Digital Equity project in PA – the Greater Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition. The three of us formed what we call the PA Statewide Digital Coalition and meet regularly and attract other state digital equity initiatives, and share experiences and collaborate on advancing digital equity in the Commonwealth.
Early on in the process, we realized that this was much greater than schools and virtual learning; a significant constituency in Chester County, in each school district, was underserved or unserved with regard to broadband access. It quickly became apparent that the Internet is not just about education-it is a fundamental tool essential for daily living.
Digital Inclusion – access and literacy – involves workforce development – such as learning a trade, access to electronic tools for learning, healthcare, access to financial services, access to government services and programs, commerce – starting a business, entrepreneurship, and more. As an example, we know that an area of great concern is mental health services. There are numerous organizations that offer mental health support services via the Internet, including virtual counseling services. Great organizations such as “A Child’s Light” offers mental health counseling to residents of Chester County between the ages of 2 and 18.
Affordable access to robust Broadband Connectivity and Digital Skills are key elements for building a thriving and diverse community. Along the way we connected with the Digital Equity projects in the City of Philadelphia to learn from their experiences. We joined the National Digital Inclusion Alliance which is where we learned of another Digital Equity project in PA – the Greater Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition. The three of us formed what we call the PA Statewide Digital Coalition and meet regularly and attract other state digital equity initiatives, and share experiences and collaborate on advancing digital equity in the Commonwealth.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The digital divide is the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting people of color, Indigenous peoples, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults.
The Internet has had the capacity to be the great equalizer of our time:
•To start a business from home
•Communicate with loved ones across oceans and time zones
•Work and learn remotely
•Receive healthcare services even if you live hours from a medical provider
•Engage in any other of the thousands of opportunities the internet brings into a person’s home
And yet, too many US residents continue to be disconnected from the internet and the opportunities it provides access to, and arguably has accentuated disparities where they exist.
The Internet has had the capacity to be the great equalizer of our time:
•To start a business from home
•Communicate with loved ones across oceans and time zones
•Work and learn remotely
•Receive healthcare services even if you live hours from a medical provider
•Engage in any other of the thousands of opportunities the internet brings into a person’s home
And yet, too many US residents continue to be disconnected from the internet and the opportunities it provides access to, and arguably has accentuated disparities where they exist.
Digital Connectivity Timeline Broadband Access RFP Timeline
Contacts:
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Jim Mercante Joan Holliday
Chester County Digital Alliance Chester County Digital Alliance
[email protected] [email protected]
610-563-4064 610-717-2180
Chester County Digital Alliance Chester County Digital Alliance
[email protected] [email protected]
610-563-4064 610-717-2180
Tools and Resources
April 2024:
Statewide Broadband Plan & Digital Equity Plan
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
Statewide Broadband Plan & Digital Equity Plan
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
February 2024:
Below are the documents from the February 2nd Update of the Southern Chester County Digital Equity Coalition:
Below are the documents from the February 2nd Update of the Southern Chester County Digital Equity Coalition:
SCC Digital Equity Coalition link to the February 2nd Slide Deck:
SCC Digital Equity Coalition link to the February 2nd Update VIMEO recording::
| scc_broadband_feasibility_study_dec_22.pdf |
| digital_equity_boosts.doc.pdf |
| digital_lit_life_skill.doc.pdf |
| digital_literacy_classes_cybersecurity.pdf |
