Warren County is first pilot community for Connect and Literacy Fund program – Vicksburg Post

Warren County has been selected as Mississippi’s first pilot community for the Broadband Association Connect and Literacy Fund program.

The program, coordinated by the Mississippi Nonprofit Philanthropy Alliance and in partnership with the United Way of West Central Mississippi, is a 10-year initiative aimed at overcoming barriers to digital opportunity across the state, starting in Warren County. We have established a dedicated initiative.

Michelle Connelly, executive director of West Central Mississippi United Way, said this initiative is a great opportunity for Warren County to address the national issue of providing affordable internet connectivity and digital literacy at the local level. said.

“United Way of West Central Mississippi is a member of the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofit Charities,” Connelly said.
He explained. “This allows us to stay on top of ‘What are the needs across the state?’ but also recognize the gaps and network with individuals who want to determine if it really is a gap. can also do.”

Connelly said the Alliance recently reached out to United Way about the opportunity presented by the Mississippi Broadband Association (MSBA) Connect and Literacy Fund Pilot Program and expressed interest in Warren County. .

“(They were) very interested in not only addressing the challenges that come with connectivity, but also understanding those challenges in the process,” she said. “Warren County has been selected as the first pilot community to go through this process.”

(MSBA) Connect and Literacy Fund pilot program will invest in a total of three communities around Mississippi. This pilot program is an opportunity for MSBA to ensure that it is efficient and effective in rolling out a complete Connect and Literacy program to all 82 counties in the state.

Connelly said United Way has been asked to invite local stakeholders to an introductory meeting in late February to learn more about the program and how it will impact the community. Stated.

“My role in this is to bring people together in Warren County that can better inform (the MSBA) what the challenges are and listen to what they are proposing as solutions to those challenges. ” she said.

Connelly said part of that process, which is planned to roll out across the county, includes classes to help families better understand the technology and how to operate it.

“They want to offer that class for free at Hinds Community College, but we know that transportation is a big issue in our community, so they really stopped and listened to the community’s input. We want to hear: What are those barriers? What can we do to overcome those barriers before we roll out this opportunity to our communities?”

Connelly said the ultimate goal is to form two “pilot groups” of about 15 local families each to provide educational classes and devices that can be taken home and used.

“They want to explain how to open doors to a variety of professional opportunities. How to open doors to academic enrichment for children. The world we live in today. How to leverage technology to succeed in