Commissioner of Higher Education, Kim Hunter Reed
In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed said they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.
“So, we’re very excited about the totality of what it means for connecting our people and assuring that we move broadband forward in Louisiana,” said Reed.
Reed said they want to be sure that those who will soon have access to the internet know how to best use it safely and successfully The pilot will start in five parishes.
“East Carroll, Jefferson, Livingston, Rapides, and West Feliciana. And there will be digital navigators, which are librarians, who will assist people with coursework so they can learn how to use the internet,” said Reed.
Reed said providing affordable access to close the digital divide is only part of the equation for broadband success.
“You have to make sure people have the sort of how-to guide or manual on how to use the internet safely and successfully,” said Reed.
Each pilot site will receive $20,000 to assess its community’s need for digital literacy and provide instructional opportunities over a 12-month period.
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