COLUMBUS, Ohio — According to Broadband Ohio, nearly a million people lack access to broadband internet across the entire state.

Some individuals live in neighborhoods that do not have the digital infrastructure in place. But for others, it is because they simply can not afford it.

In a world that increasingly operates online, those who don’t have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet face hurdles in keeping up with increased technology use. Franklin County and the City of Columbus have been addressing the issue for a while and have increased their efforts in this space. 

Janet Barahona is an Ohio resident but is originally from Central America. She moved into the United States in 1986. Nearly 40 years later, she says everything is online and it has been difficult for her to personally keep up with the pace of technology. 

"First, I learned how to write with a pen, paper and a pencil," Barahona said. "Now I have to learn how to use computers, and technology, because if not then I am a mute, and don't know what to do, so I am lost." 

Barahona said she tried to apply to online jobs but struggled with the application process. 

"I could go (until) I needed to e-signing, e-signature," she said. "I had no idea how to do that." 

In order to help her become more proficient and tech-savvy, she is taking a digital literacy course at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The library could recieve more resources from the county to help others like Barahona: individuals who are struggling to keep up with society's digital demands.

"It's a project that's ongoing," said Luis Delos Santos, a digital navigator at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. "You know, we are learning everyday about what what the community needs. And we have invested in additional modules for, you know, for people that are not, that require intermediate or maybe even advanced skills." 

Delos Santos teaches Barahona's digital literacy class through the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition. The coalition consists of several nonprofits in the region that are getting $20 million dollars in American Rescue Plan funding to increase digital literacy and access to reliable high speed internet.

It’s goal is to help nearly 80,000 households in the county that don’t have an internet subscription and the 66,000 individuals who don’t have a computer.

"What we're proposing is a 10-hour, in-seat training that 18 plus organizations will facilitate," said Jordan Davis, the executive director of Smart Columbus. "And then on the completion of that training, a resident will get a new device. We intend to train 10,000 people over the next three years, and that will really go a long way in closing the digital divide." 

Jordan Davis runs Smart Columbus, the group that’s managing the investment. They’re working with the city and the county to make what they hope is a big impact over the next several years. The goal is to continue efforts. 

"Our goal is to impact 25,000 households over the next five years," said Nick Bankston, who is a Columbus City Councilmember. "And that's really focusing on a couple of key things, and that's going to be connectivity, device access, digital life skills and outreach and adoption." 

Barahona got a laptop to take home when she completed her class. But, perhaps more importantly, she says she’ll be empowered by the new knowledge.

"Our teacher, I gave us some steps on how to do our e-signature," Barahona said. "And I was able to do that by myself at home just with my little phone. So I said, 'Oh, I'm glad, you know, I'm going somewhere.' I feel empowered."