Project Title:
Samish Broadband Use and Inclusivity Program
Project Purpose/Type:
This Broadband Use and Adoption project proposes to address the current digital divide by conducting an analysis of broadband assets, digital literacy skills, and the availability of broadband equipment and devices for Samish Tribal citizens.
State(s):
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$584,800.00Federal Funding Request
The project will implement three activities aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Tribal citizens resulting from the lack of access to broadband capabilities:
- Conduct a needs assessment of all Tribal citizens, gauging broadband access or barriers to it that will assist in broadband adoption;
- Develop a digital inclusion plan to increase broadband adoption, digital inclusion, distance learning, telehealth, and workforce development; and
- Design and implement a digital resource to facilitate access to housing and education resources.
The project’s expected outcome is to develop an understanding of Samish Tribal citizens’ current broadband service access and digital literacy. The data collected will help develop a comprehensive digital inclusion plan that will address the needs of Samish citizens. Once understood, the Samish Tribe will be able to participate in telehealth, distance learning, and workforce development.
This project will benefit the entire Samish population; 2,189 individuals in 1,158 households who reside in Washington, Alaska, California, and Oregon. Samish Tribal members in smaller groups reside across the US, Canada, and the Atlantic seaboard.