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Digital equity encompasses more than just providing technology; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or income, has the tools, skills, and support needed to actively participate in society. This concept goes beyond mere device or internet access to include the confidence and proficiency required to use digital resources effectively.
In our increasingly online world, essential tasks like applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, and pursuing education, all require digital skills. Yet, we know that many of the learners we work with struggle with significant barriers to accessing these resources. Without dependable internet, suitable devices, or the necessary digital skills, they’re at risk of falling further behind, widening existing social and economic divides. For adult educators and Digital Navigators, the reality of these challenges is clear. Our learners often juggle multiple roles, such as employment and family responsibilities, making access to digital tools and skills indispensable for their continued education, career development, and everyday tasks.
As Digital Navigators, you play a crucial role in connecting learners to the digital resources they need to thrive in today’s connected world. From accessing affordable devices to finding low-cost internet options and building essential digital skills, the right resources can make a world of difference. To support you in this mission, we’ve created a Digital Equity Resources Flow Chart that organizes key digital equity resources by need and eligibility, helping you quickly identify and guide learners toward the most relevant support.
To get started using the Digital Equity Resources Flow Chart, you will want to gather information about the individuals you are supporting in their digital navigation efforts:
Do they require digital literacy training?
Are there students enrolled in grades K-12 in the household?
Are there any specific resources that they need? (e.g. broadband internet or a highly functional computing device)
This will help you determine which resources might be the best fit for their needs.
Digital Literacy Resources
Northstar Digital Literacy and GCF Global are essential platforms for developing digital skills. Northstar offers interactive assessments and self-guided modules with certificate options, while GCF Global provides free, self-paced courses on a variety of digital topics, both accommodating learners with multilingual resources.
🧑💻 Northstar Digital Literacy
Interactive assessments and self-guided modules
Certificate upon completion to enhance engagement
Available in English and Spanish
🌎 GCF Global
Free, self-paced courses on basic to advanced digital skills
Flexible access for learners
Multilingual tutorials for diverse language backgrounds
K-12 Student Internet and Devices
T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million and Cox Communications’ Connect2Compete provide essential internet access solutions for low-income families with K-12 students in the household. T-Mobile offers free internet services and affordable devices, while Connect2Compete delivers low-cost internet and digital skills training. Additionally, Digital Wish facilitates donations and grants to fund technology needs, supporting both K-12 education and broader community initiatives.
💻 T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million
Free internet services and mobile hotspots
Access to affordable laptops and tablets
Available to students who qualify for federal assistance programs
🔗 Cox Communications Connect2Compete
Low-cost internet for qualifying low-income families
Includes training resources for digital skill development
🎒 Digital Wish
Supports K-12 schools through donations and grants
Offers a search engine for low-cost wireless programs and fundraising tools
Device and Internet Resources for Adult Learners (Based on Eligibility)
Multi-Option Programs
Everyone On and the Connecticut Digital Equity Partners Map are vital resources for families seeking affordable digital access. Everyone On enables users to find low-cost internet and computers based on their location and eligibility, while also providing digital literacy training and job search resources. The Connecticut Digital Equity Partners Map serves as an interactive guide to local public Wi-Fi, technology hubs, loaner devices, and training programs.
🔍 Everyone On
Search for low-cost internet and computers by zip code
Connects users to digital literacy training, coding courses, and job resources
Focused on serving low-income families and underserved communities
🗺️ Connecticut Digital Equity Partners Map
Interactive resource highlighting public Wi-Fi and technology hubs
Assists educators and Digital Navigators in guiding learners to nearby resources
Bridges the digital divide by making local support easily accessible
Low-Cost Device Options
Human IT and PCs for People provide essential low-cost technology solutions for individuals seeking digital access. Human IT offers affordable computers and digital literacy support, empowering adult learners with the skills needed to effectively use technology. PCs for People supplies refurbished computers and low-cost internet to low-income households, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder connectivity and offering services like e-recycling to support their mission.
🧑🦱 Human IT
Low-cost computers and technology resources
Digital literacy support with tutorials and essential skills training
Empowers access to online education and job applications
🖥️ PCs for People
Refurbished computers and low-cost internet for eligible individuals
Focuses on removing financial barriers to digital access
Offers additional services, including e-recycling for community support
Affordable Internet Options
Comcast Internet Essentials and the Frontier Lifeline Program offer budget-friendly internet services for low-income households. Comcast provides low-cost, high-speed internet, ensuring reliable access to online classes and job resources. Additional discounts are also available on devices for eligible users. Frontier Lifeline Program supports both urban and rural families by providing discounted phone and internet services, helping them maintain essential connectivity at a lower price point.
🛜 Comcast Internet Essentials
High-speed internet starting at $9.95 per month for qualifying households
Access to discounted devices for eligible users
Supports connectivity to online education and job resources
📱 Frontier Lifeline Program
Discounted phone and internet services for low-income households
Internet available for $9.25 and phone services for $5.25 per month
Supports essential connectivity for families in both urban and rural areas
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