WDC & Comcast Support BEAD Fund Grants
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) has announced an effort to utilize Digital Navigators to advance digital equity in preparation for upcoming BEAD-supported programs. Collaborating with various digital equity partners, WDC has also joined forces with Comcast, who has generously donated $60,000, to support the deployment of two Digital Navigators at WorkSource locations. This signifies a collective commitment to bridging the digital divide, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that the benefits of technology reach all corners of our community.
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the nation. This expansive initiative is set to allocate funds for planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states. The state of Washington is slated to receive $1.2 billion in BEAD funding.
Digital Navigators are individuals affiliated with trusted community organizations who are trained to help people access the internet, use devices, and build digital skills. According to the findings of a Boston Consulting Group study, they are critical to closing the digital divide and reducing socioeconomic inequalities by helping more people get online.
Employing Digital Navigator Programs ensures BEAD-fund grants make their intended impact and raise digital equity in communities. The contribution made by Comcast makes it possible for Digital Navigators to be available at two WorkSource centers in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and Auburn, further supporting the successful utilization of BEAD-fund grants.
“A recent study showed that individuals who are below 150% of the poverty level are also 30% less likely to have a laptop or tablet,” said Marie Kurose, CEO of Workforce Development of Seattle-King County. “This underscores the need for greater digital equity in the city and county. Continued regional coordination and alignment in addressing the digital divide is critical as we await the arrival of BEAD funding in Washington.”
The Seattle-King County WorkSource system consists of two WorkSource Comprehensive Centers; four WorkSource Affiliate sites, and thirty-nine WorkSource community-based site partners. Combined, the WorkSource partners and WorkSource sites comprise America’s Job Center Network in the region. WorkSource centers play a vital role in communities by offering comprehensive career development and support services, effectively serving as a convenient “one-stop” solution. These centers integrate employment services, skills training, and community support to empower job seekers.
While the staff at these centers provide valuable career counseling services, they can dedicate only some of their time to helping individuals with digital skills. That is where the Digital Navigator Program comes in. The Digital Navigator Program leads collaborative partners in implementing activities to eliminate barriers, providing a path forward in equitable digital inclusion with increased access to services such as Telehealth, Employment, Education and Training.
Digital navigators can offer personalized one-on-one and small group instruction in person and, when possible, in the learners’ native languages. Additionally, they provide resource navigation, assisting individuals in accessing other essential resources, such as accessible or affordable internet options and devices. This approach helps bridge the gap in giving much-needed digital skills training to those who require it.
“With a $1.2 billion BEAD allocation coming to Washington, there is an exceptional opportunity to do more than just build infrastructure. We aim to actively support job seekers from underserved communities by equipping them with the skills they need to secure quality jobs created by this funding,” explained Marisol Tapia Hopper, director of Strategic Partnerships and Funding at the Workforce Development Council. “Although the BEAD funding is significant, it alone cannot cover both the essential infrastructure projects and the training programs required in the broadband sector.”
“We are doing everything we can to advance digital equity in the state and partnerships like this one with WDC do just that,” said Carla Carrell, External Affairs senior director for Comcast in Washington. “We are true believers in the power of Digital Navigators and helping Workforce Development staff WorkSource locations with them will make a huge difference in addressing the digital divide in King County.”