- LDEC
What We Do
Serving the Lowcountry
WHAT WE DO
Who is the LDEC and what do they do?
The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) is a regional strategic alliance representing a cross sector of businesses, governments, and other anchor institutions, dedicated to activities that ensure digital inclusion across the Charleston/North Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Currently, there are thirty-two active coalition members, who represent public and private educational, healthcare, philanthropic, governmental, and private sector industries in our region’s ecosystem.
Access
Ensure every household in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties has access to affordable broadband service, internet enabled devices, digital literacy training, and quality technical support.
Understanding
Collaborate with community organizations to provide digital literacy training opportunities for residents to gain technical skills necessary to be successful in employment, entrepreneurship, education, life-long learning, civil engagement, and use of essential online services.
Adoption
Provide digital navigation services for community members to assist with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support.
LDEC Mission
The LDEC identifies, plans and promotes measurable ways for private and public community members to collectively prepare households, municipalities and business entities to adopt and utilize broadband in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties of South Carolina.
Vision
Our vision is a region where every individual has equal access to digital resources, skills, and opportunities, empowering them to thrive in the digital age.
By Definition
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines the work of the LDEC as:
Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology.
Digital Equity
Digital Equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.
Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.
Digital Navigator Initiative Project
The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC), a regional public-private partnership founded and supported by Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, is establishing a Digital Navigator Initiative Pilot Project (July 2024 – December 2024) to address the digital divide in rural, underserved, and underrepresented communities in the Lowcountry.
The project will train four Digital Navigators (DN) in each community to carry out activities that enable broadband access, adoption and digital learning for K-12 students and their families. Pilot communities include:
Cross, South Carolina – (Berkeley County)
Hollywood, South Carolina – (Charleston County)
St. George, South Carolina – (Dorchester County)
Computer Laptop Donation Project
The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition, in collaboration with Palmetto Goodwill, is proud to announce the Lowcountry Computer Donation Project. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing refurbished laptops to students in need.
We are committed to ensuring that every student has the necessary tools to succeed in today’s digital world. By refurbishing and distributing 2,000 laptops, we aim to support Title 1 school students across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester County School Districts.
This project is made possible through a strategic partnership with Palmetto Goodwill. Their expertise in refurbishing electronics ensures that each laptop is in optimal condition for student use.
Laptops will be distributed to students in August and September 2024, just in time for the new school year. This timing ensures that students are equipped and ready to engage in their studies from day one.
Live 5 News interviewed Mary Ann Gilmer and TCCC CEO Aaron Jones at the Palmetto Goodwill computer lab to discuss the LDEC’s laptop donation project. Watch the Story Here
How You Can Help
We are seeking donations of laptops that can be refurbished and given a new lease on life. Your contribution can make a significant difference in a student’s educational journey.