Lake County is joining the nation to recognize Oct. 7 to 11 as Digital Inclusion Week, helping to raise awareness and amplify the importance of digital equity.

This year marks the eighth annual Digital Inclusion Week led by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. Digital inclusion efforts address three main areas: affordable internet, access to appropriate devices and digital skills training. Millions of Americans are still living without these necessities. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability," aligns with our mission to bring digital access and skills to everyone across Lake County. Our Digital Navigators are available to amplify community driven initiatives that are breaking down digital barriers - one connection, one device, one skill at a time. 

In the spirit of "Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability," Lake County marked Digital Inclusion Week at the October 8 County Board Meeting by passing a special resolution. The Board has recognized the significant need for digital equity in Lake County through its passage and implementation of the County’s Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan.  

Prior to Digital Inclusion Week, the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition hosted its first in-person meeting with 44 attendees from 22 organizations on September 25, 2024, at the College of Lake County’s Lakeshore Campus. The Coalition featured several community speakers and highlighted national activities and ways to support Digital Inclusion Week.  

As Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding becomes available, digital inclusion leaders across the country are calling on their state leaders to prioritize state digital equity plans and budgets to bridge the digital divide. Digital Inclusion Week highlights the ongoing, community-based work that is the lifeblood of digital equity.

“We invite and encourage residents, community leaders, educators, researchers and other advocates to come together this week – and all year long -- to help advance digital equity not only in Lake County, but nationwide,” said Jennifer Clark, Lake County Special Committee on Broadband Chair and Lake County Board Member for District 15. “Lake County extends an invitation to all, to help make this Digital Inclusion Week a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the digital resources they need to fully participate in society.”