ViNGN continues to reach out and collect data on digital programs, barriers to inclusion, and community needs across the territory. Digital equity (DE) events will be happening through the month of November, vINGN Director of Digital Equity and Inclusion Jaughna Nielsen-Bobbit announced Monday.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday– USVI Internet for All
[in-person and virtual options available]
This event will bring together local, regional, and federal representatives working in the digital equity and broadband spaces to discuss territorial initiatives and federal programs aimed at closing the digital divide in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) team will provide an update on the three programs that they fund locally around digital equity and inclusion. These are the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, the DE Planning and Capacity Grant, and Connecting Minority Communities Programs.
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Nielsen-Bobbit will join Angela Thi Bennett, the national director of Digital Equity for the NTIA and Jon Gant, the director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, to discuss innovative approaches to expanding access to connectivity and the unique opportunities and challenges the territory faces.
- 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: A panel of telehealth experts will discuss the intersection of broadband with the delivery of healthcare services and how to engage residents on the technological tools that provide access to better healthcare.
Please register with Eventbrite here.
Nov. 27, 28 and 30: Digital Equity Community Workshops
[in-person and virtual options available]
The second round of community DE meetings will be held at the end of November for individuals, organizations, and agencies interested in the DE Planning and Capacity Grant. Presentations will include what has been learned about the digital equity ecosystem in the territory and the details of the DE Planning and Capacity Grants. There will also be plenty of time for discussions around specific programs, community needs, questions about the grant, and an exploration of how and where organizations can collaborate to maximize available funds.
Workshops will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on:
- Nov. 27 on St. Thomas
- Nov. 28 on St. John
- Nov. 30 on St. Croix
Venue locations and additional details TBA.