Engage your program in digital literacy initiatives across the state.
Presenters: Chris Stark and Gail Huycke from UW-Madison Division of Extension

Chris Stark is a Community and Economic Development Educator for UW-Madison, Division of Extension. Based in Eagle River, Stark serves the Economic Development Administration University Center Team, which has a statewide purview and is also assigned to Forest County in northern Wisconsin. His primary efforts have been under the umbrella of economic development with special emphasis on workforce development issues in rural areas and researching best practices in getting broadband infrastructure in rural areas. At present, he is working with the Wisconsin Digital Equity and Inclusion Stakeholders Group, in an effort to get affordable broadband to all citizens of Wisconsin and to help deploy teachers to teach digital skills necessary to help residents to be able to utilize their connectivity.

Gail Huycke is a professor with the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension. Gail's work with Extension has spanned almost 38 years where she has worked in both family and community development. In 2015 Gail transitioned to a Community Development Broadband Specialist role with Extension. As a statewide specialist she works communities to build broadband access and adoption. She works with communities to develop strong community planning and networking as they work to expand broadband. Her adoption work has included development and training for Connecting Aging Communities and Tech Changemakers. As part of the National Digital Extension Education Team, she has developed curriculum and training for broadband access and adoption. Gail currently serves on the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access.