Digital Equity Innovation Awards

Banner logo courtesy of Ashley Kierkiewicz

The Broadband Hui, PICHTR, the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office in partnership with the Counties and Community Access television (Hōʻike, ʻŌlelo, Akakū, Nā Leo) are excited to announce the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards, celebrating organizations and individuals who are leading the charge to close Hawaii’s digital divide. Recognizing pioneers, future innovators, dedicated advocates, impactful organizations, and data-driven leaders, these awards honor those making significant strides in digital equity.

WHAT: To annually recognize the work of individuals and organizations who are solving Internet access and helping close the digital divide across the State of Hawaii. 

WHEN:  Held in conjunction with Digital Inclusion Week, Oct 7-11 2024; with the DE Innovation Awards, livestreaming on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 9am – 10:30am and simulcast on the PEGs across the state.

WHERE: Live via Hawaii’s four PEG TV Stations. PEG stands for Public, Education, Government access TV.

AWARD CATEGORIES: The DEI Award program will recognize the following categories for each county: 

  1. Digital Pioneer Award: Honoring outstanding contributions to closing the digital divide in each of Hawaii’s counties through innovative access and skills training.
  2. Future Innovators Award: Celebrating student teams driving digital inclusion within their schools and communities with creative solutions and leadership.
  3. Digital Equity Luminary Award: Recognizing individuals championing digital equity through sustained advocacy and impactful leadership.
  4. Community Impact Award: Highlighting organizations with measurable success in fostering digital inclusion and reducing disparities.
  5. Digital Equity Beacon Award: Awarding those who effectively use data to tell stories, measure progress, and drive decision-making.

Winners will be announced during Digital Inclusion Week, October 7-11, 2024, live on community TV networks.

Click here -> Nominations are open until July 12, 2024. Join us in celebrating those shaping a more inclusive digital future. Contact Ian Kitajima at [email protected] or Burt Lum at [email protected] for more information.

FAQ:

  • Who can be nominated for the Digital Equity Innovation Awards?
    • Nominees for the Pioneer, Luminary, Community Impact, and Beacon Awards can be individuals, nonprofit organizations, businesses, community/grassroots groups, or schools that have demonstrated commitment and innovation in advancing digital equity within their respective county. Nominees for the Future Innovators Award are specifically for students, acknowledging the rising generation for their contributions and encouraging them to continue their efforts.
  • What do award winners get?
    • In addition to statewide public recognition for their leadership in digital equity and innovation, winners will be featured in exclusive interviews by their local PEG TV station. The awards organizing committee is actively seeking sponsorships to provide category winners with micro-investments of up to $2,500 to further their digital equity efforts.
  • How can I nominate someone for an award? Can I nominate myself?
    • You are welcome to nominate yourself or individuals and organizations you know are actively working in this space. To nominate yourself or someone else, complete the nomination form bit.ly/DEIAwards24. Provide detailed information about the nominee, their contributions to digital equity, and the impact of their work.
  • What is the deadline for nominations?
    • All nominations must be submitted by Friday, July 12.
  • When and where will the awards be presented?
    • The awards will be presented on Wednesday, October 9, from 9-10:30 AM as part of Digital Inclusion Week and during the Broadband Hui’s weekly meetings. Each of Hawai‘i’s PEG TV stations will host an in-person awards ceremony at their facility, which will be simulcast statewide for residents to tune in.
  • Can I attend the awards event?
    • The awards event is a hybrid convening, being live broadcast by all Hawai‘i PEG TV stations. Check with your local PEG TV station for venue capacity and attendance details.
  • How can I support or sponsor the Digital Equity Innovation Awards?
    • We welcome support and sponsorship from individuals and organizations. Please contact Ian Kitajima ([email protected]) at PICHTR, the initiative’s project fiscal sponsor, for more information on sponsorship opportunities. 

Easy QR Code for Nomination Form:

bit.ly/DEIAwards24

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