“As a national organization, NATOA works to meet communities' unique and diverse needs to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, high-speed and reliable broadband. This year's winners are leading examples of innovation in community broadband, digital equity and innovative partnerships,” said NATOA President Rick Assmus.

Rhia Pape, Executive Director, SA Digital Connects said, “At SA Digital Connects, our mission is to generate economic opportunity in San Antonio and Bexar County by ensuring every household has access to the internet and are safe, secure and confident online. Today, we are excited to celebrate the progress this public-private partnership brings to our community; and proud to further the impact in collaboration with AT&T and Human-I-T to distribute 100 laptops to local students and their families. Partnership is the key- only by working together will webridge the digital divide.”

“The City of San Antonio is committed to closing the digital divide and this recognition is well deserved,” said Rhia Pape, Executive Director of SA Digital Connects.

“We are thrilled to bring Rhia on board to fill this important role in our community; she is a highly accomplished and respected leader with a proven track record of success in cross sector collaboration and implementation of digital inclusion efforts,” said Luisa Casso, SADC Board Chair.

"SA Digital Connects (SADC), the local public, private community collaboration who built and is implementing the San Antonio/Bexar County Digital Equity Plan, has begun the search for their second Executive Director to lead the organization."

SADC asks the community to take the Texas Digital Opportunity Public Survey to keep local momentum and help develop the state’s plan to expand digital opportunities and future funding strategies in San Antonio and throughout Texas.

“We must work together to prove where our neighbors need internet access so that the FCC has an accurate picture of internet connectivity for our community,” said Marina Alderete Gavito, Executive Director of SA Digital Connects.

The toolkit includes a downloadable enrollment guide, which breaks down the ACP application step-by-step, an outreach script, a webinar, and forms to help organizations work through the complexities and nuances of the sign-up process for their clients.

“With today’s $25 million ARPA allocation we can begin tackling the infrastructure projects needed to bring connectivity to those without. A connected County is imperative to our economic competitiveness at the state and national level,” said Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Judge.

"We look forward to the allocation of local, state and federal dollars to implement the plan, but if we do not act now, we could lose this opportunity,” states Laura Cole, Bexar County BiblioTech Director.

This initiative will prepare San Antonio and Greater Bexar County with a trained workforce and connected community for the technology that awaits us in the future. We are grateful to all the partners who have committed to implementation over the next 4-5 years and are ready to get to work,” states Luisa Casso, Manager, Corporate Communications, Toyota Motor North America