Clayton County Recognized by NDIA as Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer

NEWS RELEASE
Clayton County Recognized by NDIA as Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer

(Clayton County, GA)– The Clayton County Office of Digital Equity(ODE) has earned the 2024 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer award from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) for taking significant steps to close the digital divide in Clayton County.

The ODE team were recipients for the NDIA 2023 Trailblazer Award, which acknowledged the county’s efforts to close the digital divide. The 2024 Visionary Trailblazer Award is a nod to the ODE’s ongoing and intensified goal of closing the digital divide.

“It’s an absolute honor to receive this recognition for a second year,” said Digital Equity Administrator Takiyah Thomas. “As we chip away at the digital divide, we look forward to partnering with all seven municipalities in Clayton County to increase our efforts to reach every resident that has a digital need, be it digital access, digital devices, or digital skills.”

The NDIA honors and acknowledges the county’s digital innovation and unique challenges of its citizens. As the digital world evolves, access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training becomes increasing essential to help citizens thrive and navigate today’s technology more independently.

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. Clayton County achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities by:

• Fostering partnerships with stakeholders that promote digital inclusion through device distribution and digital skills training.
• Regularly facilitating free countywide digital skills training for Clayton County residents.
• Participating in community events to raise awareness and build trust in the County’s digital equity initiative.

“In the past decade, we have seen local governments step into the important role of building digital inclusion ecosystems, where organizations that provide services can connect and thrive,” said NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers celebrates these critical efforts to bring digital opportunities to all residents.”

For more information about the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), visit digitalinclusion.org.

For more information about the Office of Digital Equity and their initiatives, access https://digitalequity.claytoncountyga.gov. Residents may contact the Digital Equity Office at 770.347.0249 or via email at digital.equity@claytoncountyga.gov.

Media representatives should contact the Office of Communications Administrator Valerie L. Fuller at 770.473.3834 or submit a media inquiry to the team by accessing https://claytoncountyforms.claytoncountyga.gov/news-media-request.