C-RASC Leadership awarded a Building Resiliency to COVID-19 grant

• Executive Director

  

  Paul Houser

  College of Science, Geography and GeoInformation Science

• Co-Director

  

  Celso Ferreira

  College of Engineering and Computing

  

  Lance Sherry

  College of Engineering and Computing

• Executive Advisor

  

  Linton Wells II

  College of Engineering and Computing, C4I Center

• Assistant Director for Research Operations

  

  Karissa Bergene

  Assistant Director of Research Operations

• Leadership Team

  

  Sara Cobb

  Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

  

  Ambassador Richard Kauzlarich

  Schar School of Policy and Government

  

  Richard Klimoski

  School of Business

  

  Kathryn B. Laskey

  SEOR, College of Engineering and Computing, Director Emerita, C-RASC

  

  Elise Miller-Hooks

  College of Engineering and Computing

  

  Rebecca Sutter

  College of Health and Human Services

C-RASC Director, Dr. Kathryn Laskey, and Strategic Advisor, Dr. Lin Wells, among others, have been awarded a Building Resiliency to COVID-19 by Closing the Digital Divide in Native American Communities by People-Centered Internet.

Abstract: Too often, people think of broadband projects only in terms of communications and computers. Citizen engagement is at least as important as any technology to develop and sustain effective capabilities. The purpose of this project is to support Tribal engagement for the purpose of creating digital opportunity among Tribal Nations. We begin by listening, focusing first on understanding the needs of people and what digital opportunities can meet their needs. The need for enhanced digital opportunity has taken on new urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the need to support online social services ranging from education to DMV appointments. In a collaborative effort led by the People-Centered Internet and supported by Althea Corporation and C-RASC, the project team will work with Tribal leaders to understand their needs from their perspective, to support them in building momentum within their communities, and to follow up to keep systems operational. Mason’s role will consist of: (1) providing the design, production, and assessment criteria for pilot micro-courses delivered via video segments; (2) supporting the creation, documentation, and development into a replicable model of a “help desk” that provides expertise in technology, community engagement, and end user training; and (3) conducting and documenting one or more case studies based on the activities undertaken in this project.