A new collaborative of five organizations in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary were selected to participate in Dogwood Health Trust’s Elevate Digital Collaborative, which focuses on making broadband internet available, affordable and useful for everyone in Western North Carolina. They join nine other collaboratives doing similar work in Western North Carolina for the initiative.
With this new funding, which will total $270,000 over the one-year funding cycle, Southwestern Community College will serve as a “hub,” working with community partners like Jackson County Economic Development, Southwestern Commission, International Friendship Center, and RezHOPE Recovery and Consulting to create solutions aimed at helping community residents thrive in a tech-facing world.
These efforts aim to break down barriers like cost and access to devices that prevent people from using the internet for education, healthcare, employment searches, accessing community information and more. Also, the collaborative aims to provide support for those who are interested in improving their omputer skills.
“Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, employment, and everyday life,” said Tiffany Henry, Director of Economic Development for Jackson County. “Through this initiative, we’re taking meaningful steps to remove barriers and ensure that more residents in Jackson County and beyond can fully participate in today’s digital world. We’re proud to work alongside our partners to create lasting impact.”
Nearly 50 organizations are part of the Elevate Digital Collaborative across the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina. Together, they’ll lead local efforts to build sustainable community partnerships, develop local leadership to champion digital inclusion, and support workforce development and economic growth through improved connectivity.
“Our collaborative partners are deeply embedded in their communities and uniquely positioned to move solutions forward,” said Sarah Thompson, Vice President for Economic Opportunity at Dogwood Health Trust. “Through collaboration and action, we’ll build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous region.”
The collaborative will host its first community meeting in summer 2025. Residents, local leaders and other organizations will be invited to participate and offer their ideas. The meeting date, time and location will be posted on Southwestern Community College’s social media.
“We’re grateful to Dogwood Health Trust, and we’re extremely proud to work alongside our community partners to continue Southwestern’s tradition of ensuring our region has access to high-speed broadband,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President.
For more information about Southwestern Community College, explore this website, call 828.339.4394 or drop by your nearest SCC location.
For more information about the Dogwood Health Trust’s Elevate Digital Collaborative, visit https://tinyurl.com/6wz6eydp.
