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West Virginia Office of Broadband launches digital equity asset map

The Office of Broadband in the West Virginia Department of Economic Development has launched its new Digital Equity Asset Map and Dashboard to help find organizations offering digital inclusion services. (Photo Provided)

CHARLESTON — A new Digital Equity Asset Map and Dashboard has been launched by the Office of Broadband in the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.

The Asset Map will enable residents and groups across West Virginia to find organizations offering digital inclusion services.

Digital inclusion services are any activities that help underserved or underrepresented communities better access and use the internet. Services may include digital skills training or digital education resources, digital navigators, public computer labs or refurbished device distribution programs.

The map is available at https://detest-wvbroadband.hub.arcgis.com/.

The map allows users to find digital equity assets by county, by type of provider and by type of services provided. By clicking on the map, users can view the provider’s website, contact information, hours of operation, service details and more.

The Department of Economic Development originally committed to the creation of a public-facing dashboard when it applied for the Digital Equity Planning Grant in 2022. The map will be updated as more assets are identified and digital equity projects are selected.

“It’s important that all West Virginia residents know where they can find the resources they need to fully utilize the internet,” Derek Zelkowski, digital equity officer in the Office of Broadband, said. “We strongly encourage organizations throughout West Virginia to apply to the current Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program and to the upcoming Digital Equity Capacity Grant programs to expand these services throughout the State.”

Currently, the map only shows libraries, community action agencies and higher-education institutions. The department plans to expand the map by gathering additional data and regularly updating it with information about state and federal veterans assistance facilities, family support and youth service organizations, senior centers and telehealth providers.

Organizations not included on the map can request to be added by completing a brief survey link on the website. The department also recommends organizations offering related services complete the survey so that accurate information is displayed.

The Asset Map and Dashboard also will display information about upcoming projects to be funded by the Digital Equity Act programs. These include the DE Competitive Grant Program, which is accepting applications until Sept. 23, and the Capacity Grant Program, through which the department will subgrant to eligible entities in Fall 2024.

For more information, go to broadband.wv.gov and internetforallwv.wv.gov.

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