Join the Midwestern Higher Education Compact to learn how various Midwest states and cities are addressing the broadband needs in their communities with innovation. As a result of COVID-19, many states and institutions scrambled to go online, and to ensure that their students had broadband access to educational resources in not only rural communities but as well as urban areas. Our speakers will share a variety of solutions: addressing the needs via legislation, through community outreach and partnerships, and through using data to drive partnerships to support those with the greatest needs.
Rep. Rick Carfagna (OH) will share his approach to solving broadband issues in Ohio through legislative actions such as the Residential Broadband Expansion Program (House Bill 13). His approach to legislation incorporates his experience at the city, township, and county levels, dealing firsthand with constituents struggling to access broadband and exploring options to get service extended to their households.
Dr. Marshall Stewart, vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement and chief engagement officer at the University of Missouri System, will describe the process used and the plan that was developed to bring broadband to underserved Bollinger County, MO, as well as their new, free web-based resource, the Missouri Broadband Resource Rail.
Mr. Duane Schell, chief technology officer for the North Dakota Information Technology Department, will share how North Dakota used data and partnered with carriers to get broadband services to where they were most needed to bridge the home access gap.
Mr. Adrian Segura, deputy chief of Family and Community Engagement in Education (FACE) for Chicago Public Schools, will discuss the Chicago Connected initiative to providing stable high-speed internet access to students who need it the most.
This webinar is scheduled for 75 minutes, with time for Q&A. It will be recorded.