While online access seems ubiquitous, there are still Washington residents going without this essential resource.
Roughly 8% of the state’s households lack high-speed internet connections and 4% don’t have a computing device, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The agency today announced $14.5 million in funding to three organizations working to get people online through personal services. Grant recipients will operate hotlines for appointments with digital navigators, provide internet-capable devices, and offer digital skills training.
Grant recipients are:
- Equity in Education Coalition, $10.2 million: The coalition partners with 39 community organizations led by multilingual and multicultural staff to provide “cultural and linguistically appropriate curriculum and digital skills training in communities of color” and will also offer devices including smartphones.
- Community Health Network of Washington, $3.8 million: The network’s 21 nonprofit Community Health Centers will provide digital navigation services and devices.
- Nisqually Indian Tribe, $430,958: The Nisqually Tribal Council’s consortium is partnering with the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Timberland Regional Library, the Thurston Economic Development Council, and Thurston Thrives to provide skills classes, devices, Wi-Fi connectivity, and discounted or free internet services.
This is the third year the Commerce Digital Navigator Program has issued grants to boost online access.
