Smart Columbus

⚡Opportunity Alert!

⏰ The application period for the 2024 BroadbandOhio Community Accelerator Program has been EXTENDED to Monday, April 15th! Link to application in comments.

❓ What is the Community Accelerator Program?
- A 10-week intensive educational program empowering local communities with knowledge and resources needed to leverage historic Federal and State broadband infrastructure grant funding

❔How will we learn? Though a 10-week course covering a range of topics including:
- Broadband 101
- Community Needs Assessments & Surveys
- Feasibility Studies, Lifecycles of Broadband Projects
- Regulatory Issues
- Ownership & Partnership Models
- State & Federal Funding Opportunities
- Community Outreach & Engagement
- Workforce Development and Education

👩🏾‍💻 Who is conducting the courses?
- BroadbandOhio in collaboration with The Ohio State University, Office of Extension
 
⚡ Goal: Each team will produce, with the assistance of Broadband Ohio and OSU Extension, a community strategic plan for the implementation of broadband infrastructure.

Applications, questions, or interested individuals who would like help forming a team, can email [email protected].

Exciting opportunities have opened up at Smart Columbus! Our Summer 2024 internship roles have officially gone live! Click the link in our bio to learn more about the roles and apply today! ⚡📲

🎉Happy National Employee Appreciation Day to the staff that makes it all happen behind the scenes!

We may be biased, but when it comes to collaboration, innovation, and putting Columbus communities at the center, it's hard to to top this team!

Our team concluded the deeply impactful, : Justice Equity and Belonging Training last week.

We're truly grateful to the team for these amazing learning experiences, their long-term impact on our team, and their influence on:

- How we serve our community partners
- How we build consensus around and
- How we deliver impact through human-centered, technology-enabled solutions co-created with the community

"Building a more inclusive Columbus relies on intention, information, and action. We must decide (and keep deciding) to fight racism."



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teamed up with the Japan America Society of Central Ohio and Honda Research Institute to explore the future of , , and in !

🚨 ALERT! 🚨 ACP Registration ENDS at 11:59 2/7/25!

Need more details? Copy the link below or scan the QR code on the last slide for more: https://youtu.be/VFys7Jb_iR4?feature=shared

⚡ Want to HELP? Make a difference by becoming an advocate!

☀️ Share ACP awareness with your social media networks

📩 Email your members of Congress and tell them why extending ACP funding will solve problems for you and your community!

☎️ Your elected representatives and share stories of how ACP funding helped you.

⏰ URGENT! ACP enrollment ENDS: Wed, 2/7/24 at 11:59 p.m.!

REGISTER NOW! https://getinternet.gov/apply?ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D

OR

Call: Lifeline Support Center, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET: (800) 234-9473 (press 1 for English; press 2 for Spanish)

Don't miss your last chance to save $ on your internet bill AND qualifying devices!

A wonderful and eye-opening conversation around the digital inequities in our community!

Thank you Smart Columbus for having Director Lydia Mihalik. The Digital Inclusion Summit was a great opportunity to discuss 's efforts to help close the digital divide in Ohio and the opportunities available to support those efforts.
➡️ https://broadband.ohio.gov/

Why does digital equity work matter? Access to the internet and technology is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. By investing in Digital Equity, we empower our community to learn, connect, and thrive in this rapidly expanding digital era.

Our community is more online than ever, but are they equipped to thrive online? From affordable home internet, to deploying free digital skills programs in the community, new digital equity funding will go a long way towards connecting those in need to digital access, giving residents a fair chance to flourish among their peers in society’s growing digital landscape.

Today, Mayor Ginther announced a joint commitment of $20.2M from the City of Columbus and Franklin County to support digital equity work in Central Ohio. This funding is a game-changer in bridging the digital divide in our region and we have a clear plan in place. Focused on connectivity, access to devices, and digital life skills, this historic funding will accelerate our efforts to elevate the community's presence in the digital landscape. To learn more, visit connectcentralohio.com and sign up for updates.

Join us on November 15, 2023 for the first ever Central Ohio Digital Inclusion Summit! This dynamic event transcends a gathering; it's a powerful movement! Join community leaders, thought partners, and advocates to raise awareness around digital inequities, collaborate on solutions, and celebrate the leadership of our region in working towards digital equity.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the event and REGISTER TODAY!

Are you a positive-minded, forward-thinking individual looking to expand your skills in the fast-paced environment of the nonprofit world? Do you have a passion for Columbus and bettering the community around you? If so, you should join the Smart Columbus team!

We have three exciting new roles open at Smart Columbus:
- Communications Manager
- Data and Impact Manager
- Service Designer

Click the link below to learn more about our three new open roles and send your information and interest to [email protected]!

Open roles: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartcbus/jobs/?viewAsMember=true

One way we are is through our budding data infrastructure program, the Columbus Community Information Exchange (CIE.) While the program is in its early planning phases, the Columbus CIE will better help connect residents to the social services sector, making it simple for them to seek out and receive the services to help them thrive. To get involved, visit ciecolumbus.com!

Dive deeper into the Franklin County DEC's newest pilot, the Digital Skills Hub! This pilot works to equip individuals with practical digital skills, increase access to new devices, and enhance opportunities for personal and professional growth. Those who successfully complete a course will take home a new Chromebook at no cost to them! This is how we are

Join us on October 4 for a journey into the future! Explore the fascinating world of AI technology with an Introduction to AI Tools, facilitated by Ski, the co-founder of the Urban Business Development Center (The U.) It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or an AI enthusiast! This session is tailored for everyone who wants to boost their efficiency using Artificial Intelligence. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the AI revolution!

that we created two educational documents to help you navigate the world of electric vehicles?? Click the link in our bio to check out our Electric Vehicle Buyer's Guide and our Electric Vehicle Residential Charging Guide!

to some highights from the Franklin County Digital Equity Action Agenda! In November of 2022, the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition created 156 page action agenda outlining the ways in which we will close the digital divide in Franklin County TOGETHER. Click the link in our bio to check out the full Digital Equity Action Agenda and how the Franklin County DEC is ! Swipe for some highlights!

Lights, camera, digital inclusion, ACTION! Join us at the Smart Columbus Experience Center for an exciting movie screening during Digital Inclusion Week 2023. We'll be screening "Without a Net: The Digital Divide in America," a movie produced by Verizon highlighting the digital inequities found in public classrooms across America. Click the link in our bio to register for the event and engage in meaningful discusisons on this issue.

Have you heard of Digital Inclusion Week? This nationwide event is a week-long initiative is all about celebrating the power of technology to empower every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. Digital Inclusion Week highlights the importance of equitable access to digital resources and the internet, fostering a more inclusive and connected world. Join us as we bring awareness, share knowledge, and work together to bridge the digital divide.

Are you or someone you know looking to enhance your digital skills and gain confidence using technology? The Digital Skills Hub, a pilot program by the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition, offers comprehensive, no-cost training classes that cover essential online skills. Course Registration is available on a first come, first served basis!

Visit digitalskillscolumbus.com or click the link in our bio to learn more!

Have you ever thought of alternative commuting options? E-bikes? Scooters? Public Transit? Now is the time! Our friends over at MORPC are launching their first-ever Ohio Commuter Challenge! From September 11-24, MORPC is giving away $500 in prizes to Ohioans who explore alternate ways of getting where they need to go!

Swipe to learn how to participate and help contribute to clearer air for all Ohioans!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Sustainable Leaders Group Kickoff Meeting at the Experience Center last week. The Sustainability Leaders Group convenes senior sustainability and ESG leaders among Columbus' lead employers to share best practices, tackle common problems together, and collaborate on solutions.

We are grateful to have such brilliant minds in our community get together and ideate on how we can elevate the Columbus Region! The next meeting is on Monday, December 4th 11:30am-1:00pm.

If you're interested in getting involved in the Sustainable Leaders Group, email Marcus Carano at [email protected].