NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition

The NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition brings together organizations, public utilities, government agencies, community groups, and stakeholders across Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to address crucial issues related to digital access and equity in our region.

This group aims to complement the efforts of existing Broadband Action Teams and localized digital equity efforts with a regional approach to help make our efforts more visible and bring more funding to this region.

Our Vision

All individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, race, or other factors, have equal opportunities to access and effectively use digital tools and resources.
The primary goal of the Digital Access and Equity Coalition is to bridge the digital divide, which refers to the gap between those who have access to and can effectively utilize digital technologies and those who do not. This gap can hinder individuals and communities from fully participating in the digital age, limiting their access to information, education, employment, and healthcare.

Data Equity Visualizations

Explore our website’s Data Equity Visualizations to gain insights into the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in North Central Washington.

Join Our Quarterly Meetings

Join us for the launch of the Digital Access and Equity Coalition! This regional gathering is aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and driving positive change in the realm of digital access and equity.

March 28, 2024

3-4 p.m. Pacific Time
Join Call

June 27, 2024

3-4 p.m. Pacific Time
Join Call

September 26, 2024

3-4 p.m. Pacific Time
Join Call

January 23, 2025

3-4 p.m. Pacific Time
Join Call

Milestones

September 2023

Launch regional coalition calls

August 2023

Submit proposal for Digital Navigator Grant to Washington State Department of Commerce

June 2023

Submit Digital Equity Plans to Washington State Department of Commerce

May 2023

Host first Digital Navigator trainings in North Central Washington

September 2022

Launch NCW Coalition for Digital Access and Equity Steering Committee 

Press Releases & News

8/9/23 Press Release
September is Digital Equity Month in NCW.
Read news release>
5/2/23 Press Release
Community Leaders Encouraged to get Involved in Digital Equity: Feedback Needed by May 12.
Read news release>
3/16/2023 Press Release
NCW Digital Equity Initiative Kicks off with Two Digital Navigator Launch Events.
Read news release>
1/26/2023 Press Release
Community Health Network of Washington Receives $1 Million Digital Navigator Grant to Extend Digital Access and Equity Resources to North Central Region.
Read news release>

Digital Equity Plans

The Washington State Department of Commerce and State Broadband Office provided funds to support the capacity of teams in counties and regions across Washington State to create Digital Equity Action Plans.

Each region’s plan captures a picture of current circumstances in that region and future actions, an important step in determining how to plan and implement projects that will extend digital access. These regional Digital Equity Plans will also be used to inform Washington State’s plan, impacting how future federal and state infrastructure funds will be used for future projects and broadband expansion.

Coalition Outcomes

Enhanced Access for Covered and Underserved Populations

One of the primary outcomes of a digital access and equity coalition is an increase in digital access for underserved populations.

By advocating for improved infrastructure, affordable internet plans, and subsidized devices, the coalition can help bring digital technologies and internet connectivity to communities that previously lacked access.

Increased Visibility for Digital Equity Work Across North Central Washington

The coalition's efforts can help bridge the digital divide, making it more apparent what work is already being done to narrow the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. This can lead to more equitable opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, information access, and social engagement, thereby reducing inequalities in society.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

The formation of a coalition brings together diverse stakeholders from various sectors. This collaboration facilitates knowledge sharing, best practices exchange, and coordination of efforts.

The coalition serves as a platform for organizations and individuals to learn from one another, leverage resources, and collectively address digital access and equity challenges.

Improved Funding for NCW

Organizations, stakeholders, and community members will work collectively toward securing increased funding for digital access and equity initiatives. By advocating for funding from government agencies, foundations, private sector organizations, and other sources, the coalition can raise awareness about the importance of investing in digital inclusion and bridge the digital divide.

The coalition's collaborative efforts can make a stronger case for the need for financial resources to support initiatives such as broadband infrastructure development, digital literacy programs, affordable internet access, and device subsidies.

NCW Digital Equity & Access Coalition Members

Sign Up for Coalition Updates

Submit your email to join the quarterly NCW Access andEquity Coalition meetings and receive updates about other digital equity opportunities.