Digital KC Now Lunch and Broadband with Missouri State Rep Michael Johnson

1600 East 17th Terrace,Kansas City MO 64108

31 August, 2022

Description

Digital KC NOW is an initiative that brings broadband internet access and the educational support needed to utilize the internet and its resources to neighborhoods while building a community of knowledge workers. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT for MY COMMUNITY? Broadband equity and connectivity are essential in community infrastructure, therefore, this project will bring true broadband service where it does not exist today. HOW IS THIS FREE CONNECTIVITY? · The State of Missouri and The City of Kansas City, Missouri supports the initiative to provide equitable internet access and technology-focused education to underserved communities where there is a disparity on physical wired connections and an understanding of how to use the internet. · Digital KC Now is a pilot broadband infrastructure, adoption and utilization effort of the 3rd Council District of Councilwoman Melissa Robinson and Assistant City Manager Melissa Kozakiewicz. DOES THIS REALLY MATTER? · Connecting residents and businesses to the internet in underserved communities is a fundamental step in providing an infrastructure of equity and opportunity. · Access to the internet affects the personal, social, and economic development of communities. · Access to knowledge is incremental in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. · Access to the internet supports healthy community growth and development. HOW DO WE UTILIZE THE INTERNET to PARTICIPATE IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY? · Educating people on how to use the internet is key to improving lives: access to healthcare and education, enhancing business performance, and raising the area's median household income. DOES THIS IMPACT EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, CAREER DEVELOPMENT, and ENTREPRENEURSHIP? · Ability to utilize the internet affects people's access to education, career opportunities, remote work, public health information, and up-to-date news. · An increase in household income increases graduation rates, employment opportunities, and financial stability. · The modern economy relies heavily on digital skills. · Knowledge societies positively impact the health and wellness of people. · The focus on utilization and adoption of the internet by the community members is important to bridge the digital divide. WHO IS BRINGING THIS ASSET and TREASURE TO OUR COMMUNITY? · aSTEAM Village hires, trains and mentors a workforce from the community to create knowledge workers right here locally in the 3rd District. IS THERE YOUTH and YOUNG ADULT ENGAGEMENT and OPPORTUNITY? ○ YES!!! aSTEAM Village's RedTails program is an essential component of the digital workforce team. The Full Employment Council is also a partner in this digital workforce skill development and career acquisition initiative. WHAT DOES THE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LOOK LIKE IN THIS INITIATIVE? WHY DOES IT MATTER? ○ A knowledgeable population has greater earning capabilities, financial stability, and public health outcomes. ○ aSTEAM Village's core programming will focus on adoption and teaching important skills that are transferrable in the digital economies of today and tomorrow. ○ Using technically trained citizens of the 3rd District, means the community will lead the charge of education, healthcare and workforce development for the participation in the 21st Century economy. ○ aSTEAM Village is working with a number of local and national partners to bring this program to fruition. ○ Access to education, professional opportunities and health resources are key to fighting systemic poverty and inequality.