Reflecting on Connect Shelby: A Collaborative Approach to Bridging the Digital Divide

Blog

Our team at Innovate Memphis works to tackle many types of barriers residents face when accessing civic services whether it’s about reliable transportation, user-friendly tools, or streamlining the service delivery process. The COVID-19 pandemic and shifts toward an increasingly digital world have exacerbated one of these barriers – lack of access to technology and internet connectivity in many Memphis homes at a time when many organizations have moved to primarily or totally online service models.

To help tackle this challenge, Innovate Memphis partnered with Shelby County Government on Connect Shelby, a collaborative approach to ensuring residents in need have devices and lower-cost internet options to stay connected at home. Through a grant with the State of Tennessee’s Broadband Ready Communities program, we were able to purchase and distribute nearly 700 devices to residents through 9 community-based organizations that offer digital skills curriculum, educational or workforce development programs, and/or online services that participating residents can benefit from. Through partnerships with these organizations, residents aren’t just getting vital technology resources. They are utilizing devices to pursue educational opportunities, apply for employment, access healthcare resources, connect with family and support systems, and strengthen their digital literacy skills.

Participating organizations and programs include:

Agape Child & Family Services – Two-generation casework support for students and their families
Community Health Partners – Digital literacy support including navigating telehealth services
Friends for All – Adult digital literacy courses including navigating telehealth services
Klondike Smokey City CDC – Student and adult connectivity with education & workforce opportunities
Literacy Mid-South – Distribution to tutoring and literacy network organizations for academic supports with students
Refugee Empowerment Program – Digital literacy training to support immigrant workforce readiness
University of Memphis – Family Digital Inclusion Project
The Works, Inc – Adult digital literacy courses and workforce development opportunities
World Relief Memphis – ESL and digital literacy courses to support immigrant workforce readiness

As Connect Shelby winds down, we asked participating organizations to share more details on the impact with residents they serve, and their reflections on closing the digital divide in Shelby County. The three organizations featured below distributed 335 devices to local residents:

Klondike Smokey-City CDC

Neighborhood residents received devices through the CDC to build technology skills, apply for jobs, and access educational and community services.

“The Chrome Books were an amazing addition to the community. There were many students who were taking virtual classes that needed access to a laptop to finish their work. We have a large elder population with limited technology literacy. This program allowed residents to have an unlimited amount of time to get adjusted to utilizing the laptop. Residents were able to access events in Memphis, apply for extra funding, and get governmental assistance.”

“One of our residents stated, ‘Without the help of your instructor, I would not have been able to apply for aid with my MLGW bill. I am thankful.’

Another group of seniors told us this was their first time being introduced to the technology, that they enjoyed it, and that it opened their eyes to what they are able to do from behind a screen.”

Friends for All

Residents received devices through the health & wellness provider to access telehealth and other community resources, improve skills and job access, and connect with family and support networks online.

“Device access has empowered residents to participate in Wellness University and Digital Health Literacy programs, complete online learning modules, access healthcare information, attend virtual appointments, apply for jobs and benefits, and communicate with family and support networks.

Many participants who previously had limited technology experience have gained the skills and confidence needed to navigate the digital world, improving their health outcomes, increasing independence, and creating new opportunities for education and employment.“

“One participant had been out of college for nearly three years after facing academic challenges and personal life circumstances. With support and encouragement, he completed the school’s appeal process, appeared before the academic review committee, and was successfully readmitted. After receiving his device and returning to school, he is now on track to finish his degree within the next two years. Access to technology has allowed him to communicate with professors, access online learning platforms, and stay organized with his responsibilities. His story demonstrates how Connect Shelby can remove barriers and provide individuals with the tools they need to reconnect and achieve their long-term goals.

Literacy Mid-South

Literacy Mid-South distributed devices to a network of tutoring and academic support organizations so that students could access online learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

“The organizations we distributed devices to all have been asking for more. They have used them for their program participants as incentives for when they finish the class or program. They have also kept some devices at the organization itself for people to use in the class.”

The stories shared by Connect Shelby partners demonstrate that device distribution is about more than providing technology. Access to reliable devices is helping residents connect to education, employment, healthcare, and essential community resources while building the digital skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

Through strong community partnerships, Connect Shelby continues to reduce barriers to digital access and create opportunities that positively impact residents across Shelby County.