Central Valley Community invited to Broadband for All, Digital Equity and BEAD Regional Planning Workshop Regional event April 14 in Merced will focus on closing the Digital Divide

See CVHEC Broadband Workshop video and radio

WHAT:            The Central Valley Regional Broadband Consortium, the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, the California Department of Technology (CDT), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), other state agencies and local partners invite Central Valley organizations and community members to take another step toward creating an equitable digital future by making their voices heard at the Broadband for All, Digital Equity, and Broadband Equity, Adoption, and Deployment (BEAD) Regional Planning Workshops.

The workshop is part of a series of 20 events being held across California to engage with the public and collect feedback. Input shared during the workshops will help California develop the State’s Digital Equity and BEAD Five-Year Action Plans that will determine how future federal dollars are allocated to address digital inequities in the community.

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register to ensure adequate space and accommodations. To Register, visit:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/566901165647

WHY:               The internet is critical to everyday life. Yet one out of five Californians, including many in the Central Valley, lack access to affordable, reliable internet service, devices, and the skills to use them. As a result, millions in our state are unable to access essential government services and realize other social and economic benefits. This gap is referred to as the “digital divide” which most impacts low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, incarcerated individuals, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, those with language barriers and low levels of literacy, and rural residents.

Broadband for All is the state’s overarching program to close the digital divide and foster digital equity in our communities. The state has invested billions of dollars to achieve Broadband for All and ensure that every resident has access to affordable and reliable internet, devices, and skills training. But more needs to be done.

WHEN:            April 14, 2023 (8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

WHERE:          Merced College, Downey Learning Resource Center, 3600 M Street, Merced, CA 95348

CONTACT:     Dr. Benjamín Durán, Executive Director – Central Valley Higher Education Consortium

                          (209-761-0534 •  bduran@csufresno.edu)

CVHEC Media inquiries: Tom Uribes • 559.348.3278 • tom@uribes.com