University News

WIU Social Media Lab to Host Digital Inclusion Event Oct. 4

October 3, 2023

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MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University Social Media Lab and West Central Illinois Broadband READY Team will host an event to promote National Digital Inclusion Week from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Small Towner in Downtown Macomb. This event is open free to the public.

The team includes WIU Director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Christopher Merrett, Professor and WIU Director of the School of Computer Sciences Dennis DeVolder and Lead for America Fellow Vikkie Becker.

The goal of the event is to increase digital equity and inclusion for the people of Illinois. The Social Media Lab staff will be available to answer any questions and provide free advice for businesses regarding social media. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive assistance in enrolling for a federal program that can provide free high-speed internet access. As access to the internet requires a device, there will be a free drawing for a new Chromebook for attendees to participate in.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to use the internet safely, which is a primary goal for the Social Media Lab team.

"We are grateful for the assistance we have received from the Illinois Broadband Lab to provide this service to the community. There are many people in the region who could benefit from enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program, such as students, assisted living residents, rural households and parents of children currently in school," WIU Professor of Communication Josh Averbeck said.

During the event, attendees will receive information about and assistance signing up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This federal program provides discounts of up to $30 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The program also offers a discount of up to $100 per household towards a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 towards the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

Food and drinks will be provided for all attendees.

Households are eligible for the ACP if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if a member meets at least one of the following criteria:


  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;


    • Participates in one of these assistance programs:

  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools

  • SNAP

  • Medicaid

  • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)

  • Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811

  • Public Housing

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • WIC

  • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits

  • Lifeline


Participate in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

  • Tribal TANF

  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

  • Tribal Head Start (income-based)

  • Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians


    • Those who are eligible can enroll in the ACP online at Getinternet.gov or contact the Social Media Lab at (309) 298-1507 for assistance.

    For additional information, contact Josh Averbeck at jm-averbeck@wiu.edu

    Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
    Office of University Communications & Marketing