The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Lake County as a 2024 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer. This national program recognizes the County’s efforts to close the digital divide. 

Recognizing the array of interests and unique barriers of its community members, Lake County joins a record number of Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazers this year. NDIA awarded a total of 60 recipients representing municipal, county and regional governments, paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the country. Lake County was awarded the Visionary Trailblazer, the NDIA’s highest honor for communities, integrating digital inclusion throughout their government.

In an increasingly connected society, access to affordable high-speed internet, devices and digital skills training is essential to participate in today’s world and to find greater opportunities to thrive using tools to navigate the internet confidently and independently. 

“Building a digital ecosystem that supports every resident no matter your race, language, background or zip code is imperative. Participating in tasks like telehealth, email, ecommerce and education all require some level of digital skills. We’re excited and steadfast in our efforts to make Lake County a place where no one is left behind,” said Jennifer Clark, Technology Committee Chair and Lake County Board Member for District 15.

“In the past decade, we’ve seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrate these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents.”

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion networks. Lake County achieved Visionary Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents through: 

• Creating a Digital Equity Coalition composed of County stakeholders who learn about digital skills, broadband and resources, equipping them with the tools to further the Initiative in their own communities. 

• Hiring specialized, local personnel known as Digital Navigators to support residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by helping to increase their digital skills and confidence.  

• Partnering with Northstar Online Learning, a Literacy Minnesota program, to offer free digital skills training to community partner organizations and Lake County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“The programs we’ve created in Lake County are proven to be effective in closing the digital divide. With the confidence of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, residents can be absolutely sure that if they need help getting connected, we’re here to help,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.

NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers have set the national standard for excellent digital inclusion work since 2016. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments with ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers and plan their own digital inclusion solutions. 

For more information, visit Lake County's Digital Growth Initiative webpage.