McKean County has been awarded 100 laptops — an estimated value of $290,000 — through a grant from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s (PBDA) Digital Connectivity Technology Program. The funding supports the Connect McKean: Empowering Communities Through Digital Access Project, a collaborative initiative designed to increase digital access and equity across the county.

The Connect McKean project aims to remove longstanding barriers to broadband use — particularly affordability and access to devices — among populations most affected by the digital divide. As a designated Community Anchor Institution, McKean County is spearheading the project in partnership with 16 vital community-serving organizations, including public libraries, senior centers, long-term care and assisted-living facilities, and veteran’s services.

“These institutions are more than service providers—they are communities within our community,” said Commissioner Tom Kreiner. “By equipping them with reliable technology, we are reaching the people who need it most — seniors, veterans, caregivers and others who often lack the resources to engage fully in the digital world.”

Administrator Patricia Barber and staff from Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Smethport with Ann Robinson, center, McKean County Economic Development liaison.

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These covered populations represent a cross-section of residents who are under- or unserved in terms of digital access. The Connect McKean project is structured to support them through targeted distribution of laptops and coordinated digital literacy outreach. By focusing on these groups, the initiative ensures residents have the tools, connectivity and skills needed to participate in education, healthcare, employment and community life in the digital age.

“For many of our nonprofit agencies, investing in new technology simply isn’t within reach,” said Ann Robinson, Connect McKean project manager. “This initiative bridges that gap by providing access to reliable, easy-to-use laptops that help these organizations better serve their communities. Whether it’s a senior connecting with family, a veteran accessing benefits, an individual attending a virtual doctor’s appointment, or a caregiver managing online resources, having the right tools makes all the difference.”

Beginning last week and continuing this week, the laptops are being distributed to participating public libraries, senior centers, long-term care and assisted living facilities, and via veteran services. The county will own the laptops for a period of five years, at which time, the devices will then be donated to the participating agency.

The convertible functionality of the Hewlett-Packard EliteBooks, which can be used as both traditional laptops and tablet-style devices, is especially helpful to end-users in the Connect McKean Project because it offers flexibility to accommodate a wide range of needs, comfort levels and physical abilities, representatives said.

Seniors or individuals with limited mobility may find the touchscreen and tablet mode more accessible and easier to use than a keyboard and mouse. For users participating in virtual appointments, video calls or digital learning, the tablet mode allows for a more natural, handheld experience. Additionally, organizations can adapt the device to different settings — whether on a desk, in a lap or while mobile — making it a versatile tool for delivering services and supporting digital engagement in community spaces.

“This initiative is about more than just technology — it’s about opportunity, inclusion and equity,” said Commissioner Marty Wilder. “We are investing in people, in connections and in the future of McKean County.”

“We know it’s not just about having a device — it’s about knowing how to use it,” added Commissioner Carol Duffy. “That’s why Connect McKean also focuses on digital literacy and ongoing support to ensure these tools are used effectively and confidently. This isn’t just a one-time technology distribution — it’s a foundation for long-term digital inclusion. We’re investing in infrastructure that will continue to support our community as technology evolves.”

“The success of Connect McKean is the result of a strong, collaborative effort at the county level, with much credit due to McKean County commissioners, the county IT department, economic development team, purchasing office and ARPA coordinator,” county officials said in a press release. “Their shared vision and coordinated work were instrumental in securing the grant and mobilizing the resources needed to launch this transformative initiative. Before the project could begin, numerous logistical and technical details had to be worked out — ranging from procurement and inventory management to device configuration, distribution planning and establishing support protocols. By aligning technical expertise, strategic planning and community-focused investment, these departments and leaders helped turn a bold idea into a practical solution that will benefit residents across McKean County for years to come.

The grant is part of the PBDA’s broader effort to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, regardless of ZIP code or income level, have access to affordable, high-quality internet and the devices needed to use it.