Pima County is teaming up with Comcast on a mission to increase digital literacy for the people who need it most.
On October 1, the Pima County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of October 7-11 to be Digital Inclusion Week, recognizing the importance of making affordable, reliable internet service available to individuals from all walks of life. The proclamation coincides with the launch of the County’s Digital Navigator Program, run by the Office of Digital Inclusion (ODI).
The program aims to provide the help many people need to navigate the digital world, such as connecting them to low-cost internet service, helping them obtain an affordable internet-enabled device, or teaching them the technical skills they need to access important online services.
During the program’s pilot year for Fiscal Year 2024-25, ODI is joining forces with Comcast to give the fledgling program an extra boost. The program includes a “learn to earn” class series designed to arm individuals with essential digital skills.
Comcast has provided a grant of $25,000 and 100 laptops that will not only help the program get off to a strong start, but also provide the first round of students with additional motivation to finish the course.
That’s right: Students who successfully complete the course will be permitted to keep the laptop they were given to use.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive in our digital world,” said ODI director Michelle Simon. “That’s why we are so excited about this partnership with Comcast. Community members will learn valuable digital skills and earn a laptop for their efforts.”
The Board of Supervisors accepted the grant from Comcast on July 2.
Once the program launches, the County’s digital navigators will serve as case managers for program participants. Outreach efforts will prioritize low-income households, people with disabilities or language barriers, those who are aging, and people in rural parts of the County.
“Digital navigators help you connect — to low-cost internet, to affordable devices, to classes or one-on-one help to learn digital skills,” Simon said. “They provide the help you need to be successful.”
In a highly digital world, individuals who lack the tools and skills needed to use the internet are at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for jobs, obtaining healthcare services, or advancing their careers.
The Digital Navigator Program seeks to address that problem, known as the “digital divide,” by providing individuals with the full range of resources they need to be digitally literate.
The program is designed to be flexible to accommodate the needs of people with busy schedules, limited transportation, and other factors that might make it difficult to attend a regular in-person class.
The grant from Comcast will enable ODI to offer a wide range of options for digital skill-building, including mobile classrooms, one-on-one appointments, technical assistance, individualized plans, and group learning sessions.
Classes and other learning opportunities will be available in both English and Spanish.
