Access
Identify barriers to reliable, affordable broadband for residents and businesses.
Digital equity · NNA’s work and history
South Shore Connects.
Affordable internet, a working computer, and the skills to use them help neighbors learn, work, and stay connected. NNA’s digital equity history includes broadband planning and computer distribution.
Devices in neighbors’ hands
More than 600 computers.
More ways to connect.
NNA has distributed more than 600 computers over the years. That work helps address a practical barrier to getting online: having a device to use.
Our March 3, 2024 website update documents one laptop giveaway with community partners, where 100 laptops were raffled to residents.
Read the 2024 laptop giveaway account (opens a new tab)The total covers NNA’s work over multiple years; the 2024 giveaway is one documented example in that history.
South Shore Connects · Planning begun in 2020
A neighborhood strategy
for the digital divide.
NNA developed a digital divide strategic plan through South Shore Connects. Its Illinois Connected Communities cohort work brought neighborhood needs into broadband planning, with the Illinois Office of Broadband and Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.
Adoption
Understand why neighbors cannot connect, including device and affordability barriers.
Use
Connect internet access with education, employment, healthcare, and everyday participation.
These describe the planning priorities. They do not establish that broadband improvements have been completed.
Learning resources · Chicago Public Library
Build everyday
digital skills.
Chicago Public Library’s DigitalLearn site offers lessons on computers, email, internet use, and online safety. Browse the provider’s learning resources in one place.
Browse Chicago Public Library’s DigitalLearn resources (opens a new tab)Part of a longer community story.
See the resident organizing and community development work behind NNA.