Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
Michigan Career & Technical Institute
Michigan High-Speed Internet Office
Michigan Rehabilitation Services new layout
Workers' Disability Compensation Agency
Black Leadership Advisory Council
Michigan Community Service Commission
Michigan Council on Future Mobility
Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS)
Executive Order 2020-107 established Michigan Workforce Development Board
MiSTEM convenes a statewide network of leaders in education, business and local communities to empower the next generation of innovators.
Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission
formerly MI Compensation Appellate Commission
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Today, we live in a digital world where the high-speed internet plays a critical role in how we live and interact with each other. The internet is the primary gateway to economic advancement opportunities, education, healthcare, employment, civic participation and an enhanced quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a gap between those who enjoy the benefits of connectivity and those who do not, commonly referred to as the Digital Divide. To bridge that Digital Divide, communities in Michigan must prioritize digital inclusion. Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that individuals and communities have the tools and resources needed for all people to access and meaningfully use the Internet and related technology.
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is committed to implementing strategies to bridge the Digital Divide to improve digital equity and inclusion. In support of this mission, Goal 2 of the 2021 Update to the Michigan Broadband Roadmap is to create a more digitally equitable Michigan. This goal is designed to create a more digitally equitable Michigan through proactive, intentional and sustained digital inclusion. Achieving digital equity is critical, as it creates a condition in which all Michiganders have the tools and ability to fully participate in our society, democracy and economy.
Recognizing the urgency of bridging the Digital Divide, the Michigan Poverty Task Force recommended that the state establish a coordinated strategy to help communities address the Digital Divide in its 2021 Michigan Poverty Task Force report. The report recognizes digital equity and inclusion as the pathway to lifting 1.4 million Michiganders out of poverty and reducing the state’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population.
Engaging with your local community is critical to understanding digital inclusion needs and offering appropriate support to address digital inclusion barriers. To address digital inclusion in your community, follow this playbook:
What organizations, community anchor institutions, and local leaders should be involved in the effort to improve digital inclusion in our community? How will we coordinate our activities and work together to ensure we are addressing all barriers?
Consider forming a coalition/working group that meets regularly to discuss challenges and opportunities and share best practices and local digital inclusion efforts.
What data and information do we need to understand digital inclusion needs and how different populations might be affected by the Digital Divide?
Consider conducting local surveys that ask residents about adoption challenges and programs/support they would like to see in their community. Ensure that the surveys can be accessed in paper form and main local languages.
What are the current digital inclusion programs, offerings and resources available in our community?
What key goals and metrics should we set to track progress on closing the Digital Divide?
What are appropriate strategies/programs community organizations should implement to address the key priorities?
Do you work for or represent a community digital inclusion program in Michigan? If so, please let us know, and we will add your program to the statewide digital inclusion services map. MIHI wants to foster greater cooperation and information among organizations that engage in digital inclusion activities across Michigan, such as digital skills training, public computer access, public Wi-Fi, Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment assistance, etc. MIHI wants to raise awareness of these services, share ideas and encourage collaboration for advancing digital inclusion in Michigan.
Contact McCoyL3@michigan.gov for questions or more information
Find Digital Inclusion Services in Your Community - Digital Inclusion Location Map
Digital inclusion providers, sign up: