HTC Invests in Digital Literacy Across Local Communities
Cooperative Partners with Local Libraries and Horry-Georgetown Technical College to Empower Residents Through Education and Technology
June 17, 2025, Conway, S.C. – HTC, the area’s largest fiber internet provider, announced today an investment in digital literacy across Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Through strategic partnerships with Georgetown County Library, Marion County Library and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), HTC is donating $10,000 to each organization, providing a total of $30,000 to enhance digital literacy programming in the communities the Cooperative serves.
This initiative marks another step forward in HTC’s mission to bridge the digital divide. The goal of the digital literacy initiative is to foster educational growth, financial empowerment, and career development opportunities for residents of all ages.
“Broadband access is about more than deploying the physical infrastructure,” said Sarah Bonnoitt, HTC Director of Public Affairs. “It’s about unlocking opportunities for healthcare, education, employment and financial independence. HTC is committed to making digital literacy resources available to the communities we serve so that everyone can utilize the internet to its full potential.”
HTC’s contribution to the Marion County Library will support digital literacy programming at the Mullins Library Branch and assist in building a new computer lab at the Saffold Community Center, an extension of the county’s library system. The programming in Mullins, set to run June through August, will be tailored to support career development, digital skills, financial literacy and telehealth education.
“HTC’s generosity has allowed us to hold this programming in the Mullins Library and to purchase new computers that we wouldn’t have been able to get, and for that we are grateful,” said Patti Burns, Director Marion County Library System. “Digital literacy is very important because you can’t apply for a job, you can’t go to school, you can’t even get social security benefits anymore without some kind of interaction online. By doing these classes, people here will be able to navigate their email and complete online tasks in a self-sufficient manner.”
HTC’s donation to the Georgetown County Library will amplify their already-robust digital literacy offerings. With the hope to directly improve overall community wellbeing in Georgetown, the funds will be allocated for educational programming directed toward youth in the area and partnered with health organizations. The “Power Up: Bridging the Digital Divide” program is set to run in June and July. Programming curriculum will cover topics such as proper internet usage, telehealth and learning current technology.
“The Georgetown County Library is honored and excited for this opportunity to repurpose our already successful adult telehealth efforts,” said Dwight McInvaill, Director Georgetown County Library. “We look to expand the programming in our rural Carvers Bay Branch Library and focus on the younger members of that community. We are so grateful to HTC for making this possible.”
The Conway campus of HGTC will serve as a hub for digital literacy classes with a seven-week course, available July through August. The course is designed to provide awareness of how the presence of technology impacts our daily lives, and learners will be equipped with essential skills to confidently navigate technology. These classes will cover essential topics, including: computer basics; cybersecurity; digital content creation; digital research; and emerging technologies.
“Thanks to the outstanding commitment of HTC, we are able to deliver a program that empowers individuals with the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world,” said Shannon Detzler, HGTC Foundation President & CEO. “Digital literacy is no longer optional – it’s a critical component of success in the workforce, education, and everyday life. This funding allows us to bridge the digital divide, and we are deeply grateful for HTC’s vision and investment in the future of our region. Together, we are creating access, opening doors, and changing lives.”
This initiative is set to launch in June and will carry through the rest of this year.
For more information about Marion County Library System and the digital literacy programming, please visit www.marioncountylibrary.org or call 843-423-8300.
To learn more about the Georgetown County Library and the informative programming offered, visit www.gtcounty.org or call 843-545-3300.
For more information about HGTC or enrollment into available courses, visit https://www.hgtc.edu/jobtraining/ or call HGTC Workforce Development at 843-477-2020.
About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating more than 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
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