The DE Act from National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital opportunity and workforce skills. They aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. We recognize that to connect all Kansans, communities must also have the ability to access, devices to use and skills to support appropriate digital use. Kansas submitted our Five – Year Strategic Plan for public comment in early October of 2023.
Across the state we encouraged residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities, to participate in the public comment period for the Strategic Plan. The document adheres to NTIA guidelines and includes a description of each requirement along with attachments, available for public inspection and comments.
The Strategic Plan outlines specific strategies and objectives to achieve its goals, including ensuring digital skills training, affordable service plans and broadband-ready devices are aligned as top priorities. This plan also emphasizes the transformative power of technology, which can positively impact various areas such as healthcare, education and civic engagement.
To support the work of digital equity across the state and create a comprehensive plan. Kansas Office of Broadband Development engaged with experts and digital equity champions across the state. We are thankful for them and their work in this space and dedication to connecting all Kansans. In alphabetical order these champions are listed below
| Agency/Organization | First Name | Last Name | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| League of Kansas Municipalities | Wendi | Stark | Research Associate |
| University of Kansas | Carol | Smith | KU Dean of Libraries |
| Kansas Health Foundation | Chan | Brown | Program Officer |
| NAACP – Kansas Chapter | Kenya | Cox | President |
| Kansas City Digital Drive | Aaron | Deacon | Managing Director |
| AARP Kansas | Glenda | DuBoise | State Director |
| Kansas Data Science Consortium | William | Duncan | Assist Research Professor of Data Science |
| Kansas Department of Corrections | Cris | Fanning | Executive Director – Programs and Risk Reduction |
| Kansas Hospital Association | Jennifer | Findley | Vice President Education & Special Projects |
| Empower | Ariel | Rodriguez | Executive Director |
| Urban TEC | Ina | Montgomery | Executive Director |
| UMB | Jacob | Mogle | Strategic Sponsorships Manager |
| Kansas State Department of Education | Kyle | Lord | Assistant Director of Information Technology |
| United Methodist Health Ministry Fund | Jennifer | Ellis | Communications Officer |
| Kansas Department of Agriculture | Dana | Ladner | Compliance, Education and Agency Support Program Manager |
| Kansas Board of Regents | Hector | Martinez | Director, Adult Education |
| Kansas City Digital Drive | Leslie | Scott | Program Manager |
| UFCW2 | Monica | Vargas-Huertas | Political & Community Outreach Director |
| Kansas Native American Affairs | Jancita | Warrington | Executive Director/Tribal Liaison |
| Felicia | Welch |
English 
Español 
日本語