As we at Broadband for America continue our Online Supporter Week, we turn our attention today to the critical theme of broadband adoption.

The very reason Broadband for America was created was to increase high-speed Internet adoption for all Americans, working toward the eventual goal of broadband in every home and business. Much progress has already been made on that end, with adoption home rates at 75 percent and an additional 7 percent of Americans obtaining broadband access through other outlets like work and school.

At the same time, we acknowledge the current barriers to entry that are keeping some individuals from making that transition to high-speed Internet: In today’s challenging economic climate, the cost of broadband adoption is a barrier for some Americans; this is especially true in rural areas where the average age of residents is high and in urban areas where unemployment is higher than the national average. Other factors include cultural barriers such as language and lack of computer skills.

But even here there are positive signs. Minority groups have seen significant growth in broadband adoption, with African-Americans more than doubling their access to broadband since 2007.

Broadband for America is working alongside our 300 member organizations to increase adoption and alleviate those challenging barriers to entry. This year alone, BfA has hosted events and provided more than $250,000 in grants across the country and partnering with BfA member LULAC to open Tech Centers in Corpus Christi, Texas; Dayton, Ohio; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Those efforts have helped thousands of Americans get online that previously weren’t in states like Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

As we continue our effort, we hope you’ll join us in our goal of ensuring that all Americans have access to high-speed Internet and its power to create jobs, improve our education and health care systems and to improve the daily lives of all who are discovering the limitless potential of broadband.