Transforming Talent
A Partnership Forms to Close the Digital Divide
No One Left Offline (NOLO) is humbled to receive a $20,000 grant from Umpqua Bank to help close the digital divide in Talent, Oregon. The generous support from Umpqua Bank will make possible a unique and transformative partnership between the City of Talent and NOLO. All funds will go toward the immediate provision of hotspots, each equipped with a year’s worth of high-speed Internet, to residents, small businesses, and community organizations in Talent.
Kevin Frazier, born and raised in Washington County and a graduate of the University of Oregon, started NOLO at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The all-volunteer NOLO team now includes students and young professionals across the country. The nonprofit has a simple goal: lower every barrier to Internet access.
NOLO was founded on the premise that access to the Internet is essential and those lacking such access deserve immediate relief. So, rather than work through burdensome and costly entrenched interests, NOLO works directly with community institutions to identify individuals with insufficient Internet and to then immediately deliver hotspots with Internet.
After the wildfires in Talent, Oregon - Source: NatGeo
Through conversations with Umpqua Bank and the City of Talent, the three organizations identified a problematic lack of Internet access in the town, due to devastating fires last year. Jeremy Ney, the community leader and next Chief Executive Officer of NOLO, helped guide these conversations and formulate a specific proposal for Umpqua Bank to financially back. “Without internet access, many social problems only grow - Students cannot learn online, parents cannot work remotely, and families across the country cannot access digital government services.” Jeremy Ney, community leader, No One Left Offline.
“Umpqua Bank values digital inclusion. In order for communities to recover and rebuild from devastating disasters, they need to be connected. Knowing that so many services and resources require stable access to the internet, we’re thrilled to be partnering with No One Left Offline and the City of Talent to help ensure that those who need this support the most, have it.” Brenden Butler, VP, Community Development Officer OR & SW WA, Umpqua Bank
“I could not imagine a more meaningful project for No One Left Offline. We’re honored to work with Oregonians committed to solving problems through unique partnerships and a singular focus on getting stuff done. With the City of Talent and Umpqua Bank, we can transform a community and show that the Internet is essential to individual success and collective well-being.” Kevin Frazier, Founder, No One Left Offline.
The city of Talent - Source: Talent City Hall
Following the approval of the partnership, Mayor Ayers-Flood stated, “this unique opportunity will pave the way to improve internet connectivity within our community.” Talent continues to work to expand internet access to all residents and community members.
To donate to No One Left Offline’s continued efforts to close the Digital Divide, visit: nooneleftoffline.org. Just $63 can send a hotspot device to someone on the wrong side of the Digital Divide.