The lack of high-speed Internet and technology for many in North Carolina, particularly in rural areas, has deep social and economic consequences. Over the next few months, you’ll be seeing and hearing a lot about the HERO Project, and this latest podcast helps to paint the bigger picture of what it is we’re working on, the significance of it, and how you might be able to get involved.

Listen as Tracy and Jeremy discuss Providence’s social enterprise model in Williamston as a way to build an innovation corridor to surrounding areas in Eastern North Carolina. This important work includes boosting broadband access and connectivity, supporting digital literacy and skills, and servicing important community anchor institutions in these communities.

Listen as Tracy, Lakisha, and Layla provide insight into the socio-economic barriers to internet access in Forsyth County, discuss the work being done to bridge the digital divide there, and explain how funding and support for digital equity programs give voices to communities around the state and the nation. 

Listen as they discuss a range of topics, first illustrating what DEI means and its economic and social ramifications, then detailing approaches organizations like MCNC are taking to address DEI, including GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping, to break down barriers in high-speed Internet access. Finally, the experts discuss how MCNC is planning for North Carolina’s long-term growth with these initiatives and how national funding is helping the cause as well.

Listen as they discuss a host of topics starting with how the pandemic has forever changed healthcare by exposing inequities and connectivity gaps followed by how NCTNA and MCNC’s partnership addresses the challenges facing North Carolina head-on.

Listen as they discuss a host of topics starting with world events – particularly those in Russia and Ukraine – as they relate to the growing focus on cyber security and threats to such around the globe and right here in North Carolina.