Overall description of the program/project: Closing the digital divide has been a key objective for communities across the United States. The University of Wisconsin – Madison Extension Broadband Team addressed this capacity gap through collaboration and network-building principles. We empowered community members via workshops, a comprehensive toolkit, webinars, and technical assistance, fostering co-learning and resource sharing. Our inclusive approach encouraged local ownership of broadband planning, highlighting successful case studies and practical solutions. We facilitated knowledge sharing and relationship building across geographic boundaries, engaging all stakeholders, including Tribal entities. Over two years, we developed 15 webinars, hosted 14 workshops, and provided technical assistance to over 40 communities. How our program/project relates to the theme Innovative Pathways to Thriving Communities: Closing the digital divide has been a key objective for communities across the United States. Communities often find themselves ill-equipped to address the challenge. The University of Wisconsin – Madison Extension Broadband Team infused collaboration and network-building principles to address this capacity gap. Through workshops, a comprehensive toolkit, webinars and technical assistance, we empowered community members to take an active role in broadband expansion. Our programming fostered co-learning and resource sharing, enabling participants to gain experiential knowledge and connect as peers. Collaboration was a central theme as we developed tools and technical assistance that led to effective public-public partnerships. People-Driven Solutions: We emphasized inclusive, ensuring all community members' needs are considered. Our approach encouraged local ownership of broadband planning, providing tools and knowledge for informed decisions. By highlighting successful case studies and offering practical solutions, communities could create customized approaches and further build their network. Place-Based Collaboration: We facilitated knowledge sharing, relationship building, and collective impact across geographic boundaries. We encouraged engagement with all stakeholders, including Tribal entities as sovereign nations, emphasizing that “broadband doesn’t stop at the county line.” Program Impact: Over two years, we developed 15 webinars, hosted 14 workshops, created a comprehensive toolkit, and provided technical assistance to over 40 communities. The ever-evolving toolkit includes modules on broadband planning and digital equity. We reached 56 out of 72 counties and 9 out of 11 of Wisconsin’s federally recognized Tribes. This work continues to guide the expansion of broadband access and digital equity programming for communities across Wisconsin.
