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HTC, the area鈥檚 largest fiber internet provider, announced today an investment in digital literacy across Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties. Through strategic partnerships with Georgetown County Library, Marion County Library, and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), HTC is donating $10,000 to each organization, providing a total of $30,000 to enhance digital literacy programming in the communities the Cooperative serves.
This initiative marks another step forward in HTC鈥檚 mission to bridge the digital divide. The goal of the digital literacy initiative is to foster educational growth, financial empowerment, and career development opportunities for residents of all ages.
鈥淏roadband access is about more than deploying the physical infrastructure,鈥� said Sarah Bonnoitt, HTC Director of Public Affairs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about unlocking opportunities for healthcare, education, employment, and financial independence. HTC is committed to making digital literacy resources available to the communities we serve so that everyone can utilize the internet to its full potential.鈥�
HTC鈥檚 contribution to the Marion County Library will support digital literacy programming at the Mullins Library Branch and assist in building a new computer lab at the Saffold Community Center, an extension of the county鈥檚 library system. The programming in Mullins, set to run June through August, will be tailored to support career development, digital skills, financial literacy, and telehealth education.
鈥淗TC鈥檚 generosity has allowed us to hold this programming in the Mullins Library and to purchase new computers that we wouldn鈥檛 have been able to get, and for that we are grateful,鈥� said Patti Burns, Director Marion County Library System. 鈥淒igital literacy is very important because you can鈥檛 apply for a job, you can鈥檛 go to school, you can鈥檛 even get social security benefits anymore without some kind of interaction online. By doing these classes, people here will be able to navigate their email and complete online tasks in a self-sufficient manner.鈥�
HTC鈥檚 donation to the Georgetown County Library will amplify their already-robust digital literacy offerings. With the hope to directly improve overall community well-being in Georgetown, the funds will be allocated for educational programming directed toward youth in the area and partnered with health organizations. The 鈥淧ower Up: Bridging the Digital Divide鈥� program is set to run in June and July. Programming curriculum will cover topics such as proper internet usage, telehealth, and learning current technology.
鈥淭he Georgetown County Library is honored and excited for this opportunity to repurpose our already successful adult telehealth efforts,鈥� said Dwight McInvaill, Director Georgetown County Library. 鈥淲e look to expand the programming in our rural Carvers Bay Branch Library and focus on the younger members of that community. We are so grateful to HTC for making this possible.鈥�
The Conway campus of HGTC will serve as a hub for digital literacy classes with a seven-week course, available July through August. The course is designed to provide awareness of how the presence of technology impacts our daily lives, and learners will be equipped with essential skills to confidently navigate technology. These classes will cover essential topics, including computer basics; cybersecurity; digital content creation; digital research; and emerging technologies.
鈥淭hanks to the outstanding commitment of HTC, we are able to deliver a program that empowers individuals with the skills they need to thrive in today鈥檚 digital world,鈥� said Shannon Detzler, HGTC Foundation President & CEO. 鈥淒igital literacy is no longer optional 鈥� it鈥檚 a critical component of success in the workforce, education, and everyday life. This funding allows us to bridge the digital divide, and we are deeply grateful for HTC鈥檚 vision and investment in the future of our region. Together, we are creating access, opening doors, and changing lives.鈥�
This initiative is set to launch in June and will carry through for the rest of this year.
For more information about Marion County Library System and the digital literacy programming, please visit or call 843-423-8300.
To learn more about the Georgetown County Library and the informative programming offered, visit or call 843-545-3300.
For more information about HGTC or enrollment into available courses, visit /jobtraining/ or call HGTC Workforce Development at 843-477-2020.