Digital Literacy: What it is and Why is it Important
At HTC, our mission is to improve the lives of the community we serve through connectivity. As we have all witnessed first-hand, HTC has been a leader in expanding broadband access throughout our region.
While delivering this necessity is certainly critical, the work doesn’t end there. What good is access to our state-of-the-art network (and the public and private dollars that funded grant projects) if our neighbors don’t realize how to utilize the technology to its full potential?
Streaming is certainly the best (Jeff C made me say that), but there’s so much more to the internet. That’s where digital literacy comes in. Digital literacy programs help bridge the internet skills gap by teaching people of all ages. They learn how to use the internet to search for jobs, go back to school, pay bills, and attend telehealth appointments. Classes can range from beginner (think creating an email address) to advanced (becoming a master at Excel).
Supporting the Initiative
HTC has supported digital literacy efforts in Georgetown, Marion, and Horry counties over the years, and we continue to look for ways to support similar initiatives. In 2023, we piloted a program with HGTC at the Bucksport Community Center. It was a six-week course for older adults. This summer we partnered with Marion County Library System as well as Georgetown County Libraries to support their existing programs.
Our contribution in Marion is helping to fund a computer lab in the Saffold Community Center and support existing digital literacy programs tailored to career development, youth digital skills, financial literacy and telehealth. In Georgetown, the partnership focused on local youth and healthcare organizations. Titled “Power Up: Bridging the Digital Divide”, this program ran in Summer of 2025 and covered topics like proper internet use, telehealth, and general technology skills.
