Led by the Purdue Center for Regional Development, Fellow Olivia Haworth Brings Digital Inclusion to West Central Indiana 

Led by the Purdue Center for Regional Development, Fellow Olivia Haworth Brings Digital Inclusion to West Central Indiana 

TERRE HAUTE, Ind.– The need for digital access is at an all-time high following a sharp increase in remote learning and remote work. To combat the growing digital divide, the Purdue Center for Regional Development placed six individuals in regions around Indiana to execute strategies aimed at fostering digital economy ecosystems. 

The pandemic brought the importance of broadband to Indiana’s communities into sharp focus. Not only does the state need more fiber, it also needs boots on the ground,” said Annie Cruz-Porter, Digital Inclusion Fellow Program Director. “The Purdue Center for Regional Development’s Digital Fellows will be uniquely positioned to respond to and drive change in Indiana’s communities.”

One individual working to make a positive impact is recent graduate Olivia Haworth who is committed to advocating for digital inclusion in West Central Indiana with the support of THRIVE West Central. 

When asked about the impact she hopes to make, Haworth stated, “Obviously, you would hope to bring broadband infrastructure to these communities, but aside from that I think giving these rural communities a platform to talk about their struggles and help draw attention to these issues will be a huge win for me. I want to make sure everyone feels like they are being heard, and that there are people in their corner trying to advocate for them.”

These digital inclusion fellows are currently working with the communities of Bloomington, Richmond, Versailles, Terre Haute, Muncie, and Loogootee. Digital Inclusion Fellows will implement workshops, conduct training, and work with small businesses to increase digital awareness and literacy in the communities they serve. They will work to increase broadband access and digital literacy and contribute to critical community development initiatives.

West Central Indiana and other communities across Indiana are expected to see growth and new opportunities through initiatives that may include teaching local businesses how to strengthen their online presence, determining shortages in digital skills among local workforces, and validating broadband speeds.

Thrive West Central Executive Director Ryan Keller stated, “We are so excited to welcome Olivia Haworth through our partnership with Lead For America and the American Connection Corps, and believe she will play a vital role in promoting broadband access and digital inclusion in West Central Indiana.”

The Indiana fellows are part of the American Connection Corps nationwide effort in partnership with Lead for America and Land O’Lakes. The supporting partners are confident that the Digital Inclusion Fellowship will not only impact Indiana communities, but also the lives of the fellows themselves. As these fellows help develop communities, they too are developing skills and knowledge in digital inclusivity, outreach, public policy, economic development, data analysis, research, and more.

Learn more about the Digital Inclusion Fellowship and the impacts they are making on Indiana communities at https://pcrd.purdue.edu/.