Digital Equity Coalition of Alaska

Are you located in the Fairbanks area? Green Star of Interior Alaska is offering a super cool class for youth and their parents to build a PC and take it home for $140.

PreK - Teen computer building classes are just $140 and up!
Go to : https://iagreenstar.org/rebuild-it-registration/ to register
Both kids and parents have fun learning and building computers together. Classes are just one 4 hour session.

Each kit includes: Full Windows 11 PC, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse & Speakers. Free software for school work, educational content and some fun free PC games!

Are you a community-based organization looking to help older adults access technology and use it to enhance their lives? You can with the help of Senior Planet!

Visit OATS to learn more about their FREE Senior Planet licensing program and sign up for their upcoming online info session! https://oats.org/licensing/

We think Green Star of Interior Alaska is pretty awesome! Do you need an affordable device? You find what you need with Green Star. https://iagreenstar.org/

Come check out our notebooks! just 60-80 dollars.
We also have desktops, macs, and professional laptops all on sale 20% off! Great for office and school work!
Hurry in we only have so many!

https://youtu.be/rIPkX6kR0Io

Applications will be due in September!

Native Entities Capacity Grant Webinar

Good news! It's time to read the NOFO and get planning!

Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program | National Telecommunications and Information Administration Delivering Internet For AllNTIA.govFunding ProgramsInternet For AllBroadband Equity Access and Deployment ProgramBroadband Infrastructure Pro...

Hi Alaska! We are happy to share some good news🎉. We will be reopening grant applications on August 15! On top of that, our grant programs have expanded with increased award sizes.

Read our full announcement here: https://rasmuson.org/news/rasmuson-foundation-resumes-grantmaking-launches-new-programs/

Want to connect with a program officer? Check out our bookings page here: https://rasmuson.org/about/contact/program-team-booking/. We look forward to hearing from you soon! 💙

Bridging the Digital Divide for Incarcerated Individuals 🌐✨

Digital equity isn't just about connectivity—it's about breaking the cycle of recidivism. By investing in educational, vocational, and digital literacy programs within correctional facilities, we empower individuals with the tools and skills for a brighter future. Let's pave the way to opportunity and hope.

https://www.ntia.gov/blog/2024/building-digital-programming-support-second-chances

Earlier today, the Fiber Broadband Association announced that Sno-Isle TECH, a free public school in Evertt, Washington, will be the first high school and latest education institution to offer FBA’s Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path™) program.

Sno-Isle Tech will work with local ISP Whidbey Telecom to aid instruction of the course, giving the juniors and seniors enrolled in the program an inside look at the challenges of the area they will serve before they hit the field, creating a smooth transition from classroom to field.



Read the full press release below. ⬇️
🔗 https://buff.ly/3ys90YC

Introducing Broadband Labels: Your guide to transparent and reliable internet service!



https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandlabels?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com

Digital pathways: Empowering justice-impacted individuals through broadband access

's Sierra Sees shares her take on NTIA's webinar, “The Impact of High-Speed Internet Access on Incarcerated & Justice-Impacted Individuals"

Her blog 👉 https://bit.ly/3USOmK9

🛠️✊ The Digital Right to Repair Act (Senate Bill 112) is making waves, advocating for a fundamental shift in how we interact with our electronic devices.

This bill champions the principle that digital product makers must provide owners or independent service providers with the necessary documents, parts, and tools for repairing or maintaining their products. 📱💻 Why is this such a big deal? Let's break it down:

1️⃣ Empowering Consumers: With access to repair information and parts, consumers have the power to extend the lifespan of their devices, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and ultimately saving money.

2️⃣ Environmental Impact: By enabling repairs, we can significantly reduce electronic waste. Instead of discarding perfectly functional devices due to minor issues, we can keep them in circulation for longer, reducing our environmental footprint.

3️⃣ Promoting Competition: Opening up repair options fosters a competitive repair market, giving consumers more choices and potentially lowering repair costs.

4️⃣ Preserving Ownership Rights: When you buy a product, you should have the right to repair it. The Digital Right to Repair Act safeguards this principle, ensuring that ownership extends beyond the initial purchase.

In a world where technology evolves rapidly, having the option to repair and maintain our devices is more important than ever. Let's advocate for our right to repair and embrace a more sustainable approach to technology! 🌱💡

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/33?Root=SB%20112

🌟 Let's talk about e-waste and why recycling electronics matters! Did you know that nearly 50 million tons of electronic waste are generated worldwide every year? Shocking, right? But fear not, because each of us can make a difference by recycling our old electronics. ♻️

Here's why it's crucial:

1️⃣ Conservation of Resources: Recycling electronics helps recover valuable materials like metals, plastics, and glass, reducing the need for raw materials and energy-intensive mining.

2️⃣ Preventing Pollution: Electronics contain hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Proper recycling prevents these toxins from leaching into the environment, safeguarding our air, water, and soil.

3️⃣ Energy Savings: Recycling electronics requires less energy than mining and processing new materials. By recycling, we conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

4️⃣ Creating Jobs: Recycling facilities and refurbishment centers create jobs in local communities, contributing to economic growth and sustainability.

Let's join hands to reduce e-waste and protect our planet! Remember, every gadget recycled is a step towards a greener future. ♻️🌍

https://broadbandforalaskans.org

Building for Digital Equity is a series of live-stream events and a podcast hosted by Community Broadband Networks team members featuring interviews with people working for digital inclusion and ensuring everyone can reap the benefits of the Internet.

Find the podcast here: https://communitynets.org/building-for-digital-equity-podcast

The next live stream is going to be June 10, 2024, at 3ET!

Re-Xplore the future of ! Phase 2 of the Re-X Before Recycling Prize is now open! With $1.5 million in prize money and $1 million in technical assistance for analysis up for grabs, this phase is your chance to turn your innovative ideas into reality. The Re-X Before Recycling Prize is all about transforming waste into valuable resources through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and repurposing (re-X).

Join a challenge! Be revolutionary! Apply for Phase 2 now: bit.ly/Re-XPrizePhase2

The Affordable Connectivity Program has been a game-changer, empowering consumers to select the internet service plan that suits them best, even if it's one they're already on. Enacted as the cornerstone of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it stands tall as the largest internet affordability program in our nation's history. Over 23 million households have reaped the benefits, saving $30-75 each month on their internet bills. While we bid farewell to this transformative initiative, our advocacy for reliable and affordable broadband persists. Let's keep the momentum going! 💻🌐

📢 Farewell to the Affordable Connectivity Program! This crucial FCC initiative has been a lifeline for many households, ensuring they could access vital broadband for work, school, healthcare, and more. But fear not! While the ACP is going away, another option steps in to fill the gap: Lifeline. 🌐💡

Lifeline, a federal program, remains dedicated to bridging the digital divide by making phone and internet services more affordable for low-income households. Eligible consumers can still benefit from a monthly discount of up to $9.25, with an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month for those residing on Tribal lands. Let's keep the connectivity alive!

https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/

📱💻

A new bill was introduced on May 1st that would roll the Affordable Connectivity Program into the FCC's Universal Service Fund. This would fund ACP for low-income families without relying on Congress to provide funding.

Fetterman Introduces Long-Term Universal Service Funding Bill As full funding for Affordable Connectivity Program expires, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel issues letter to lawmakers.

Are you tired of unfixable gadgets? More than 400,000 cells phones per day are discarded in America. This is unsustainable for our world and our pocketbooks. Alaskans should have the right to repair their devices or have easy access to affordable repair options.

Alaska’s Right to Repair SB 112 was introduced in 2023.

Alaska State Legislature 00 SENATE BILL NO. 112 01 "An Act relating to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of products that use digital 02 electronics to operate; adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and 03 Consumer Protection Act; and providing for an effective date." 04 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGIS...

📆 Today is the second push for Don’t Disconnect US, a day of action urging everyone who cares about affordable internet to tell their representatives in Congress to save the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) before funds run out at the end of the month.

Make plans to participate now. Our website www.dontdisconnectus.org is live with call and email scripts, and more information on ACP.

Let's build a strong network of digital inclusion advocates. Join our email list today!
https://airtable.com/appUGHYbPoHssJKv4/pagQYPPm63mJHML3p/form

The State's Digital Equity Plan is approved! In the newsletter, you'll find links to the Digital Equity Plan and information on what you should do now to prepare for the State's Capacity Building Grant Program.

Alaska's Digital Equity Plan is approved! We are excited to share that the founding members of the Coalition are preparing to participate in a 6-week structure-building series to strengthen our efforts towards creating a coalition framework. A series of workshops with digital inclusion experts, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance will l...

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO: President - Alaska Federation of Natives Position Profile President |Alaska Federation of Natives |Anchorage, Alaska The Position: President Alaska Federation of Natives seeks a dedicated leader to serve as its next President and as a st

Did you know that AARP's Senior Planet page offers free classes for aging adults? You'll find many classes on technology!

Online Classes for Seniors - Senior Planet from AARP We offer live online classes in Finance, Wellness, Fitness, Computers and Technology, and more - just for seniors. Come learn and find your community.

Call to action! The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is ending! The ACP provides a $75 broadband discount to nearly 25,000 qualifying Alaskan households. For many, this is the only affordable access to internet service and could potentially lead to a loss of broadband service altogether. This will only deepen Alaska's stark digital divide. How you can help:

1. EASILY email your Congressional members and let them know why Congress should pass the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 https://www.dontdisconnectus.org/

2. Share! Please encourage others to take action by spreading the word about the ACP's importance and the potential consequences for 25,000 Alaska households due to its discontinuation.

3. Visit the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) for resources to support your communities. https://www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/2023/08/28/join-the-fight-for-acp-new-ndia-toolkit-helps-you-take-action/

Digital equity and inclusion are essential needs in today's technological world. By bridging the digital gap, we're helping our communities and making Alaska stronger by building a more inclusive economic landscape. https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/bridging-the-gap-leveraging-digital-equity-to-drive-economic-development/

https://www.kyuk.org/2024-02-28/with-hundreds-of-millions-of-federal-dollars-secured-massive-fiber-optic-projects-prepare-for-rollout-in-western-alaska

With hundreds of millions of federal dollars secured, massive fiber optic projects prepare for rollout in Western Alaska Despite questions of affordability, uncertainties of funding, and unprecedented logistical challenges, tribes and telecom companies say that the networks will be transformational.

NTIA Extends TBCP NOFO II Deadline to March 22, 2024 NTIA Extends TBCP NOFO II Deadline to March 22, 2024 Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs sent this bulletin at 01/22/2024 02:42 PM AKST View as a webpage / Share Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Broadband Office January 22, 2024 NTIA Extends TBCP NOFO....

Without additional funding from Congress, ACP is projected to run out in April of 2024. The FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP program. Read more

www.fcc.gov

Do you want to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and how it is helping over 20,000 Alaskans stay connected? Visit the National Digital Inclusion alliance to learn more and hear how you can help advocate for ACP!

ACP Advocacy - National Digital Inclusion Alliance Advocating for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) 22+ million American households are at risk of losing ACP. Take action today! ACP Matters to Real People – This Digital Inclusion Story Shows Why This Austin blues family is one of 22 million American households benefitting from ACP. Watch t...

We salute our fallen and give thanks on this Memorial Day!
5.29.23
_________________________________________________
We invite you to learn more about Connect AK and Digital Equity efforts in Alaska, as well as share with your family and friends!
Let's work together to make digital equity a reality for all Alaskans. Visit our website to learn more: www.broadbandforalaskans.org.