Connecting Communities
to the Future

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At ConnectLakeCounty we believe access to the internet is a necessity and basic right. Our goal is to identify and implement solutions that ensure the under-resourced residents of Lake County, IL can successfully engage with technology in all aspects of their life.
The FCC announced the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is scheduled to end in April 2024.
ConnectLakeCounty is the local ACP expert and has been working to enroll residents since the program's initial inception in 2021. We are tracking changes and advocating daily at the local and national level for potential solutions to ensure all the residents continue to have access to affordable home internet.
Contact ConnectLakeCounty if you need help staying connected to the internet.
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Helping to Close the Digital Divide

Digital inequity is the disparity in access, knowledge, and ability to use digital tools and technology, particularly harming lower income individuals and minority communities. 

In Lake County more than 14% of households do not have home internet and 8% can't access the internet at all - not even from a mobile phone. Without internet access Lake County residents can't find employment, take advantage of telehealth, expand access educational resources, and bank, shop or stay connected with family and friends. At ConnectLakeCounty we believe access to the internet in a necessity and basic right.

We know that residents in low-income areas of Lake County lack sufficient devices at home because cost is a major barrier to ownership. Approximately 50% of low-income families lack sufficient devices at home to access distance learning (The Education Trust) and research shows that while 80% of white adults own a desktop or laptop, ownership drops to 69% of Black adults and 67% of Hispanic adults. 

Even for those with home internet and devices, the lack of adequate digital skill development shows up disproportionately in vulnerable communities. The lack of digital skills  then compounds existing challenges faced by residents.

With support from our trusted community partners, ConnectLakeCounty is doing what we can reduce digital inequity in Lake County's most vulnerable communities. 

Our Goal

ConnectLakeCounty works to improve the quality of life for those we serve
in 4 key areas:

  • Economic stability
  • Healthcare access and outcomes
  • Education access and attainment
  • Social, emotional and community support

ConnectLakeCounty focuses on the digital inclusion 
activities necessary to eliminate digital inequity

Outreach & Education

We work directly with residents and local partners to empower residents and drive community development.
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Deliver Programs & Services

Internet subscriptions, device ownership, digital skills building and access to tech support.
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Advocacy

We strive to advance the most innovative solutions to digital inequity at the local, state and national level.
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Our Outcomes

1,320 residents served
at outreach events

Over 200 outreach events

20 local partners

Enrolled 451 residents in the ACP

Distributed almost 600 devices (laptop/Chromebook/tablet)
190 residents completed at least 6 hours of digital skills workshops
Piloted Free Wi-Fi at the Waukegan Beach During Summer 2023

2024 NDIA Net Inclusion Conference Planning Team

2024 NDIA Net Inclusion Conference Presenter
2023 Connect20 Summit Presenter
FCC Grant Recipient
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Recent News

Connecting the 
Hardest-To-Reach Americans

Candace Browdy, ConnectLakeCounty Executive Director, spoke on a panel at the Connect20 Summit, an event aimed at facilitating conversations between digital navigators and policymakers as digital equity funds from the Infrastructure Act begin to flow.
Watch the panel here.

Digital Equity Champions 
Share Their Insights

Last fall Nicole Ferraro, host of The Divide on the Light Reading Podcast interviewed national digital equity champions including ConnectLakeCounty's Executive Director Candace Browdy and former Digital Navigator and Waukegan resident Elizabeth Ramirez. Listen to the podcast here.

ConnectLakeCounty Newsletter

Stay up to date on digital inclusion work happening in Lake County and around the state. Read or download the Q1 2024 newsletter here.

What Our Clients are Saying

  • ConnectLakeCounty provides digital learning classes along with free devices and I was able to participate in the sessions. 

    I do not possess a lot of digital skills and needed a lot of help. They even connected me to more resources to further my computer education. Now I can use the internet to access important healthcare information from anywhere in the world. 

    James and ConnectLakeCounty are first rate and exhibit integrity in their interactions with clients.

    Tim – Grayslake, LCHA Resident

  • I really think the ConnectLakeCounty workshops are beneficial, and I can’t believe they are free! I don’t feel comfortable using a computer by myself so I know I will gain a lot of important skills. 

    I’ve been recommending ConnectLakeCounty to all of my coworkers and siblings. I definitely want others to get as much help from ConnectLakeCounty as possible

    Resident – North Chicago

  • I was in a public place and about to check my bank account online and then I remembered what I was taught in the Cybersecurity workshop with ConnectLakeCounty.

    I waited until I was on a secure network to do my banking.

    Thomas – Gurnee, Veteran and LCHA Resident

Our Partners

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