As we celebrate Digital Inclusion Week, it’s important to reflect on what digital inclusion and equity truly mean—and why they matter so much for West Virginians. In today’s increasingly digital world, access to high-speed internet, technology, and the skills to use them are no longer luxuries—they are necessities for everyday life, from education and healthcare to job opportunities and civic participation.
What is Digital Inclusion and Digital Equity?
Digital inclusion ensures that all individuals and communities, especially those most underserved, have access to and can fully participate in the digital world. This includes affordable, robust broadband internet service, internet-enabled devices, and the skills to confidently use technology. Digital equity is the goal of achieving fairness and justice in the availability of these resources, eliminating the disparities between those who have access to digital tools and those who do not.
Why Digital Inclusion Matters in West Virginia
In West Virginia, the digital divide is particularly wide, with many rural communities lacking reliable internet access. This gap leaves residents at a disadvantage in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Without digital inclusion, our communities are cut off from the tools and services they need to thrive in the 21st century.
At Generation West Virginia (GWV), we recognize the urgent need to address these disparities. That’s why we’ve been working with local partners through 18 county digital equity steering committees across the state, bringing together community leaders, residents, and stakeholders to identify challenges, develop solutions for improving digital equity and inform County Digital Equity Planning. By focusing on unique needs within each county, we can identify targeted strategies that ensure no one is left behind.
Why Digital Equity Matters: A Closer Look at Wetzel County
Our work is driven by real data that reveals the critical need for digital equity across West Virginia. In Wetzel County, one of our plan counties, despite valuable resources such as industry partners and West Virginia Northern Community College, broadband infrastructure remains a significant challenge. A staggering 23.3% of the population reports having no broadband subscription at all. The lack of internet doesn’t just limit convenience; it restricts access to education, jobs, and healthcare. We need to ensure that everyone can participate in today’s digital world.
But it’s not just about the numbers. 25.7% of residents live below 150% of the national poverty line, with an average income of just $27,174. This means many struggle to afford internet access or devices. In some areas, up to 19% of residents don’t have any device, not even a smartphone, which creates serious barriers.
These challenges impact real lives. For example, many older adults, who make up 22.8% of the population, might find it hard to order groceries online or connect with family via video calls. Imagine a grandmother who can’t use Kroger’s pickup service because she doesn’t have the right tools or skills. Similarly, residents with disabilities, making up 20.4% of the population, may miss out on important telehealth appointments because they lack access to technology.
Key Components to Achieving Digital Equity
Achieving true digital equity in West Virginia requires a multifaceted approach, with a focus on several key areas:
- Broadband Infrastructure: Expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet is the first and most essential step. We need more investment in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Affordability: Even when broadband is available, it’s often too expensive for low-income families. Ensuring affordable options is critical to bridging the digital divide.
- Digital Literacy: Providing education and training is vital to ensure that individuals not only have access to the internet but also the skills to use it effectively. Digital literacy programs should be accessible and tailored to different levels of need.
- Access to Devices: Internet access alone is not enough; people need the right devices to connect. We must ensure that households have access to up-to-date computers, tablets, and other technology necessary for meaningful participation in the digital economy.
The County Steering Committees: A Grassroots Collaborative Approach
At Generation WV, we believe that effective digital inclusion initiatives must be rooted in the needs and voices of the communities they serve. Our county steering committees have played a pivotal role in informing our Digital Equity Planning process supported through ARC and Connect Humanity. These committees have brought together diverse community members, local leaders, and key partners to:
- Assess the current state of broadband access and digital literacy in their counties.
- Provide essential insights into the unique challenges faced by their communities, helping to inform our planning efforts.
- Foster partnerships between local stakeholders to lay the groundwork for future digital inclusion projects.
While much of the work is still ahead, the involvement of these committees has been invaluable in ensuring that our plans are not just top-down directives but truly reflect the needs of the people. Projects that overlook community input often fall short, but by prioritizing grassroots collaboration, we can build solutions that are both meaningful and effective for lasting impact.
Upcoming Digital Equity Plans
Next week, Generation WV is excited to release 18 Digital Equity Plans, a comprehensive look into Digital Equity conditions for each county, along with goals and next steps for digital inclusion projects in the counties. These plans, built on the input from our county steering committees, include the baseline data needed to build strategies around:
- Expanding broadband infrastructure to more underserved areas.
- Increasing affordability programs to help families access the internet.
- Launching digital literacy initiatives focused on empowering West Virginians with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
- Improve access to devices through partnerships and funding opportunities.
These upcoming plans serve as a local dive into county needs and will serve as a guide for the continued push in the state to ensure that every West Virginian in the 18 counties has the tools and opportunities needed to participate in the digital world. Stay tuned for the official release next week—we’re eager to share more and invite you to be a part of this important initiative.
About Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. By connecting young adults with resources, opportunities, and each other through their workforce development initiatives, GWV is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for generations to come.
GWV Broadband Program provides wrap-around technical assistance and support in navigating the process, including grant writing, strategic planning, and partnership development tailored to local needs. We strengthen broadband work that’s happening in communities by filling in capacity gaps and facilitating partnerships across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. To learn more, visit www.generationwv.org.
