People may know Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas, as the home of the first Google Fiber network. It provided a test case in a model that has been adopted by communities across the US. 60 miles away, in the 125,963-population city of Topeka, Kansas, a groundswell of support for low- and moderate-income communities inspired a local model that can also be replicated in cities nationwide. A network of local officials and community leaders is providing thousands of seniors and school-age residents with devices, digital skills training, and information about affordable Internet programs.

The FCC’s map shows that Shawnee County, where Topeka is located, has ubiquitous access to 25/3 Mbps service. However, U.S. Census data shows that 12.7% of Topeka residents do not have a home computer and one out of four people lack a home broadband subscription. The pandemic exacerbated the gap between broadband availability and adoption, prompting community leaders to work together toward a solution, starting with the youngest and oldest residents. TSC Get Digital brought together Scott Gowan, Chief Information Officer for Topeka Public Schools, Monique Glaudé, the City’s Director of Community Engagement & Ombudsman, and a long-time local community advocate and nonprofit leader, Lazone Grays.

Recognizing the need for broadband adoption programming, TSC Get Digital applied for a grant to increase device access in their communities. Through E-Cycle events, TSC Get Digital invited members of the community to be a part of the solution. Residents donate devices that are then refurbished by nonprofit PCs for People and returned to the community. From young children who help with device drives to seniors who offer their laptops for refurbishment, TSC Get Digital has motivated community members of all ages to champion the cause.

Securing $140,000 allowed TSC Get Digital to make 1200 refurbished desktops available for free to 60+ adults. While community trust initially proved a barrier to distributing devices, word quickly spread after their first drive-thru event, prompting calls from 1500 residents seeking a device. Devices aren’t the only thing TSC Get Digital provides. In addition to a refurbished computer, residents also receive information about Affordable Connectivity Program offerings and access to free digital literacy classes.

Through a simple and empathy-centered intake process, the residents receiving devices have shared the role that TSC Get Digital’s work played in empowering them to improve their livelihood. For instance, being connected to the rest of the world empowered a 77-year-old gentleman to work toward his GED, a 97-year-old to visit with his family via zoom because he is not able to see them in person, and an 80-year-old who formerly worked as a Walmart greeter to seek online employment opportunities. Equipped with a device, Internet connection, and the digital skills necessary to use it, they have new opportunities to improve their quality of life.

With an eye toward upcoming funding opportunities through the Capital Projects Fund and Digital Equity Act, TSC Get Digital sees several paths toward expansion. Hiring more full-time staff to respond to public needs and increasing digital navigator and technical support are two goals they hope the state will partner with them to achieve. The takeaways from this community-based success story could have an impact far outside of Topeka, Kansas. 

Additional Resources: 

• City aims to close the digital divide with new e-cycle event
• City distributes 1,200 desktop computers to qualifying residents (City Website)
• City of Topeka hand out computers to eligible residents to get digitally connected (WIBW TV w/video)
• Four Nonprofits Selected As Kansas Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative Recipients (Kansas Health) 
• Digital equity has hampered Topekans who lack access to the internet. City of Topeka awarded $250K to address it. (The Topeka Capital Journal)