Addressing the Digital Divide in Rural Delaware

Digital access—or the ability to use digital technologies and resources—allows people to leverage critical tools and services that advance financial wellbeing and economic success.

Yet while the digital divide is narrowing in the United States, gaps in digital access are more pronounced in rural communities. The Pew Research Center found that only 73% of adults living in rural areas subscribe to high-speed internet at home, compared to 77% of adults in urban settings and 86% of adults in suburban settings. This presents a clear opportunity to enhance digital access in rural America and help communities thrive and grow.

To advance digital access and economic inclusion in rural communities, Capital One and the American Library Association launched the Community Connect program nationally in 2020. Community Connect helps people access digital resources by equipping libraries serving rural communities with Wi-Fi hotspots and laptops to lend to residents.

Community Connect also helps create long-term impact by providing each participating library with funds to consider offering financial capability programs to patrons. And, the program provides libraries with resources from Everyone On so library workers can help patrons set up affordable high-speed internet connections at home.

“Libraries serve as vital lifelines, providing free internet access, technology and digital literacy support to those who need it most,” said American Library Association President Cindy Hohl. “Community Connect has empowered libraries in small and rural communities to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that community members have the tools and connectivity they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world."

In Georgetown, Delaware, Georgetown Public Library Director Rachel Culver knew Community Connect could have a meaningful impact for residents. The library applied to participate in Community Connect in 2023, and has been offering hotspots, laptops, and resources to the community ever since. Community Connect is currently offered in 30 rural libraries across the US, including two Delaware locations in Georgetown and Laurel.

“We heard from many patrons who have used the hotspots and laptops that the devices improved their lives by allowing them to apply and interview for jobs, go back to school, and apply for benefits for their families,” says Culver. “Other patrons have used the devices to work from home, reconnect with family and friends, complete school work, and learn new hobbies. This program has been so popular that as soon as one hotspot is returned, it is on hold for someone else.”

Community Connect has helped some of Georgetown Public Library’s patrons overcome financial hurdles to getting online. One patron remarked, “I am so thankful to have access to both a hotspot and laptop because I am unable to purchase either one, so this program has really helped out.”

Since Community Connect was first launched, library patrons who have participated across the US have reported positive improvements in the quality of their lives and internet skills. 84% of program participants surveyed said Community Connect helped improve their ability to access the internet, and 79% said it improved their ability to access key online resources.

“When we brought Community Connect to Georgetown, we wanted to address digital access gaps and give Delawareans a path to greater financial wellbeing,” says Capital One Delaware Market President Joe Westcott. “Hearing how residents in Georgetown are using Community Connect to participate in the workforce, pursue education, and access public benefits, shows that digital access helps create economic opportunities in rural communities.”

Capital One continues to support Delaware residents, businesses, and communities through philanthropic programs like Community Connect, as well as investments in community development financing, support for Delaware-based small businesses, and products and services that advance economic opportunities.

In 2023, Capital One granted more than $67 million in philanthropic funding to support economic growth from coast to coast, including communities in the state of Delaware. And from 2020 to 2023, Capital One invested nearly $400 million in community development loans in Delaware.

Capital One previously announced a community benefits plan that would commit $35 million in philanthropic support for nonprofits in Delaware, pending approval of the company’s proposed acquisition of Discover Financial Services.

Capital One also offers free resources that help people build greater financial wellbeing online, including a financial literacy course developed in partnership with Khan Academy.