Rural Equity
Equal Access, Unlimited Opportunities.
Empowering Orleans County - One Click at a Time.
The Orleans Rural Equity Project (OREP) and Orleans Digital Main Street (ODMS) initiatives lay the foundation for digitally empowered communities by enhancing access and skills, enabling rural residents and businesses in Orleans County to thrive in the digital economy.
Orleans County (pop.39,124) is a micropolitan community with a median annual income of
$61,069, which is less than the median income of $65,712 in the U.S. The per capita income is $33,054. 11.2% of the population lives in poverty.
Orleans County, NY, has been designated an education desert, food desert, healthcare desert and childcare desert.
Rural Equity Project
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Closing the Digital Divide
Leveraging data from a 2021 Orleans Digital Literacy Survey, the Orleans Rural Equity Project (OREP) aims to narrow the digital divide with community-focused outreach, enhanced access to digital learning, and free technical support services.
By addressing digital disparities, rural communities can foster greater innovation, inclusivity, and resilience, laying the groundwork for a more connected and prosperous future.
The digital divide has hindered rural populations from fully benefitting from essential online services. Although rural Americans have made progress in adopting digital technology, they still lag behind urban and suburban counterparts. – Pew Research Center
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Fostering Economic & Community Development
Digital dexterity within a community acts as a catalyst for both economic and community development. The Orleans Rural Equity Project and Orleans Digital Main Street initiatives will empower individuals and businesses with the skills and tools needed to thrive in the digital age.
By providing greater access to digital technologies and programs along with technical support services, Orleans County can unlock new economic opportunities, enabling local businesses to access broader markets and streamline operations. This technological empowerment not only boosts economic growth but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, strengthening community bonds and resilience.
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Ensuring Equity & Inclusion
Digital equity and inclusion programs are essential in rural communities to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all residents have equal access to the internet, digital devices, and the skills necessary to use them.
The Orleans Rural Equity Project can drive economic growth, improve access to education and healthcare, and strengthen community engagement by empowering rural populations with the tools and knowledge to participate fully in the digital world.
“There are opportunities to utilize technology in ways that can bolster rural economies. Leveraging broadband investments has the potential to play a major role in the revitalization of rural economies. The opportunities here are twofold: in the post-pandemic era, broadband availability makes living in rural communities viable for those with the ability to work from home, and also creates the potential for the development of e-commerce as a business model, or to supplement the market available for existing retail and wholesale businesses. Continuing education programs could be created to assist in teaching the skills necessary to be able to operate an e-commerce business or to telecommute effectively.”
Orleans Digital Main Street
Small Business & Entrepreneurial Support
Digital mentoring and technical support services can bridge the gap for rural entrepreneurs caught in the digital divide, offering personalized guidance on leveraging technology to grow their businesses. By providing access to expertise in e-commerce, digital marketing, and online business management, Orleans Digital Main Street (ODMS) can help rural entrepreneurs compete on a broader stage.
Every year, the Orleans Economic Development Agency, through the Orleans County LDC, provides small businesses with management education developed by the SBDC. By harnessing the offerings of NY-SBDC alongside the OCLDC’s Microenterprise Small Business Assistance Program (MAP) and ODMS initiative, we can begin to develop a digitally proficient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Orleans County.
As a digital support outreach program, ODMS can play a pivotal role by creating a network of resources, training opportunities, and peer support, making digital tools and strategies more accessible. This community-centric approach fosters a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can learn from each other and industry experts, ensuring they're not only catching up but are positioned to innovate and thrive in their respective markets.
Digital Divide
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Building a Digitally Empowered Community
The Orleans Rural Equity Project (OREP) plays a crucial role in maximizing Orleans County’s newfound access to high-speed broadband services (2022).
For students, OREP is a gateway to a wealth of online learning resources, crucial for enhancing their academic performance and navigating the college application process with ease.
It also provides adults with access to a wide range of online learning and professional development programs, helping them acquire new skills and qualifications that make them more competitive in the modern workplace.
By ensuring that everyone can make the most of digital opportunities, OREP is an essential catalyst for educational success and economic advancement in rural communities.
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Unlocking Digital Doors
The Orleans Rural Equity Project (OREP) offers free tech help and computer classes where participants can develop new and refresh on old skills.
Get help using a computer, cell phone, tablet, smart watch, and how to use the Internet safely.
We also help troubleshoot tech problems.
Digital training support for rural seniors can significantly enhance their quality of life, social connectivity, and access to essential services.
A transformative pathway for job seekers who initially lack digital dexterity, digital training can significantly enhancing their employability and ability to adapt to various job roles that require digital literacy.
Digital dexterity training and local support programs can play a critical role in enhancing the productivity, adaptability, and resilience of the workforce and mid-size employers in rural communities, especially those with an aging population.
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Ensuring No One is Left Behind
The Orleans Rural Equity Project (OREP) equips rural parents with essential digital skills, enabling them to support their children's education and stay ahead of the curve by providing access to online learning resources, homework assistance, and educational platforms. These initiatives foster an environment where parents can confidently guide their children through their academic journeys in a digitally connected world.
OREP programs also offer adults opportunities to enhance their own digital proficiency. These initiatives can facilitate career advancement through online courses and certification programs, improve access to online job markets, and enable participation in digital finance and telehealth services.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by those who may lag behind in digital skills, thsi local collaboration will empower Orleans County veterans, seniors, residents and job seekers to fully participate in and benefit from the digital economy, enriching both their personal and professional lives.
Partners
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Orleans County Economic Development Agency
The Orleans Economic Development Agency, through its Orleans County LDC, plays a pivotal role in the Orleans Rural Equity Project and the Orleans Digital Main Street initiatives by acting as a catalyst for economic revitalization and digital transformation.
For OREP, the OCLDC focuses on bridging resource gaps through strategic partnerships, funding acquisition, and implementing development initiatives aimed at sustainable growth.
In ODMS, the agency’s involvement centers on empowering small businesses by facilitating access to digital tools, resources, and training programs.
It works to enhance digital literacy, promote e-commerce adoption, and support businesses in leveraging technology for market expansion.
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Orleans County (Orleans CCE) plays a critical role in the Rural Equity Project by leveraging its expertise in agriculture, education, and community development to support the rural populace.
Orleans CCE teaches digital skills through Tech 360 classes and offers both advanced STEM/STEAM education and online learning opportunities, crucial for navigating today’s technological landscape.
Orleans CCE provides digital training and support to individuals participating in Work Release programs, equipping them with essential digital skills and competencies needed for successful reintegration and employment in today's technology-driven job market.
This synergy not only amplifies the impact of REP’s individual programs but also creates a blueprint for developing more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous rural communities in the post-COVID era.
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OCALS Learning Services
Focusing on basic education, GED preparation, digital literacy, and job readiness skills, Orleans County Adult Learning Services (OCALS ) enhance employability and personal development among residents.
Through individual tutoring, workshops, and online resources, OCALS helps bridge educational gaps, empowering individuals to achieve their academic and professional goals.
These resources can provide more adult education and literacy programs tailored to meet the needs of residents in the 10 towns and four villages across Orleans County.
OCALS services complement OREP's objectives to uplift rural areas. With more focus and collaboration between agencies, Orleans County residents will become better equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary in a rapidly changing world.