Appalachian Digital Accelerator

Helping local leaders plan ahead for next generation broadband access and digital equity

Thrive Regional Partnership, in collaboration with Connect Humanity, a nonprofit impact fund, is implementing the Appalachian Digital Accelerator program in three counties in the tri-state greater Chattanooga region. The Appalachian Digital Accelerator program supports communities as they create custom connectivity plans: roadmaps for improving internet connectivity that leads to new economic opportunities and healthier communities.

By planning internet connectivity at the municipal and county levels, local communities will have a strategy to connect with state and federal resources.

Participating communities include:

• Bradley County, Tennessee

• Walker County, Georgia

• Whitfield County, Georgia

The participating counties were chosen by Connect Humanity, using following criteria, which guided the competitive selection process of 50 Appalachian communities:

1. Community leadership,

2. Financial capacity to manage a federal grant, and

3. Connectivity needs of the area.

This work is supported by a subaward from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), led by Connect Humanity.

About Connect Humanity

Connect Humanity is a non-profit impact fund working to change that combines tailored investments, strategic advice, and technical guidance so that everyone can connect to fast, affordable, reliable internet access.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.