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Project Compass

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With the rapid pace of technological development—from cybersafety to AI—communities must have three critical resources to thrive in our ever-expanding Internet landscape: broadband connectivity, robust local support networks and digital literacy.

Academic researchers, practitioners, and municipal leaders developed a working paper—the Digital Opportunities Compass (DOC)—grounded in 25 years of research aimed at improving digital opportunities for residents and businesses. Building on the DOC’s research process, as well as publications featured at the Research Conference on Communications, Information and Internet Policy (TPRC), and the Journal of Information Policy (JOIP), we created Project Compass with grant funding from the USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance Program.

Girl on phone outside trying to connect to internet

With 1 in 4 Michiganders lacking basic digital skills (NDIA), our mission is simple: to support local residents and businesses in enhancing their digital abilities, teach basic online safety awareness, and help people become comfortable with technology that can enrich daily life—such as utilizing virtual healthcare services, finding job opportunities, and staying connected with family.

We listen to Michigan residents to understand their needs, whether it’s learning new online skills, navigating local barriers to connectivity, understanding available options, or improving cyber safety. Together, we help create local education programs, organize community groups, bring in experts to speak on requested topics, and connect people with helpful existing or original resources. We also seek out new funding opportunities and assist with grant applications—all absolutely free and at no cost to the community.

I was so impressed with the thoughtful level of care put into community outreach efforts. When surveying members of the community, Project Compass was respectful of everyone's time and opinion and made sure to welcome feedback from all ages. When I joined the Project Compass Task Force, I was new to the area, and as a result of this collaboration, I have a thorough understanding of the technology challenges facing the families in our town, and detailed action plans for how to address them. I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it!"

Milan Harden, Librarian
Van Buren District Library Covert Branch

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The Family Cyber Safety Playbook

Make smart moves to block scammers, protect kids, and defend your data.

You’ve Got the Power to Stay Safe Online!

Being safe on the internet doesn’t have to be scary or hard. With just a few smart habits, you can outsmart hackers, protect your money, and help your whole family surf safely. Keep this brochure handy as your cheat sheet to becoming a Cyber Hero—every click, tap, and swipe can be safer when you know what to look for!

Top 5 Cyber-Smart Moves:

  • Create strong passphrases and never reuse passwords.
  • Pause before you click – check links and emails for signs of phishing.
  • Shop with credit cards and always check who you’re buying from.
  • Talk with kids about what they see, play, and feel online.
  • Update your devices regularly for better security.
LEARN MORE

Girl sitting down looking at her phone

Digital Opportunities Compass

This paper introduces the Digital Opportunities Compass, a framework designed to help state and local policymakers measure and guide broadband and digital equity initiatives in the U.S., particularly in light of the $65 billion investment from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Digital Equity Act. Building on decades of research, the framework expands on federally mandated objectives by providing six components—Contexts, Governance, Connectivity, Skills, Application, and Outcomes—to support holistic, long-term strategies for digital inclusion. It serves as a flexible tool to assess current conditions, monitor progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

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I found serving on the task force to be an invaluable experience. It provided me with deeper insights into the community’s areas of need, the resources available, and the unique capabilities that Compass can offer to address those needs. If you’re not yet familiar with Merit and Project Compass, I encourage you to get involved. They are deeply passionate about supporting our community and actively engage with the local people who have needs. It’s a rewarding way to make a real difference."

Steven W. Blodgett, MBA, CPM, CTC, ACTTP, CPAHA, CHAM, Information Technology Manager
MyMichigan Health

Get in Touch!

If you want to shape the future of internet usage and skills in your community, share your ideas or needs with us!

 

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