Digital Navigators: Making a Difference in Oregon

Digital connectivity is at the center of nearly every part of our lives –shaping how we work, learn, and engage with others. It can break down barriers, increase pathways to economic mobility, and build stronger, more prosperous communities. Yet, closing the digital divide remains a pervasive challenge because it requires continuous education, investment, and partnership to ensure everyone can meaningfully participate in our digital society.

While our engagement is year-round, this week, Digital Inclusion Week, is an annual opportunity to reflect, recognize, and celebrate our collective impact by shining a light on organizations across Oregon that are enhancing community-level digital equity opportunities and mobilizing to do even more in the year ahead.

Since 2021, Comcast has invested more than $5 million in Oregon nonprofit organizations that are getting and keeping people connected to the Internet. A core focus of this work has been to build and expand a network of Digital Navigators who help people learn how to get online, use technology and devices, leverage resources, and acquire digital skills. These trusted community organizations, that include Boys & Girls Clubs, Free Geek, Hacienda CDC, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Native American Youth & Family Center, The Arc of Lane County, Self Enhancement Inc., Girls Inc., and many more, are making a significant impact on digital equity in Oregon.

Digital Navigators are also a key component of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity through programs and partnerships that connect people to the Internet and equip them with the resources to thrive. Digital navigation programs are an essential tool in leveraging the once-in-a-generation, multibillion-dollar federal investment known as the Digital Equity Act.

Free Geek and its partnership with other nonprofits, including Hacienda CDC, IRCO, Latino Network, Guerras Latinas, PCC, Naya, AfroVillage PDX, and more, is one example that demonstrates how a network of trusted organizations can have a significant impact on their community. Last year, Comcast and MHCRC invested $2 million in Free Geek and their digital equity goals. Since that initial investment, Free Geek has:

• Expanded their training capacity by hiring three new digital navigators and a volunteer coordinator who help families with tech support and advice.
• Provided internet services to 3,200 community members.
• Distributed 662 new or refurbished laptops for free.
• Conducted 41 digital skills training classes and expanded their training curriculum.

In recognition of Free Geek’s incredible work promoting economic equity through tech training and career-building programs, last month Comcast and MHCRC invested an additional $1 million in the Portland non-profit. Free Geek will use the additional investment to buy more than 3,700 discounted laptops, which will be distributed to people in the community who need them the most.

In addition, Comcast recently launched the Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge, a joint initiative with the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) to support the expansion of local workforce programs designed to grow college and career readiness, close the digital skills gap, advance economic mobility, and lay the foundation for generational wealth building. Portland, OR, is among 10 cities that were awarded grants to advance their innovative work.

Broadband adoption and digital skill-building provide new pathways to opportunity. Still, none of this is possible without public-private partnerships in Oregon that engage community-based organizations on the frontlines of making a difference through the direct deployment of services and programming.

Our approach to digital equity will always reflect the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We remain committed to nurturing a network of leaders to bridge divides and address systemic inequities, better ensuring that no community is left behind. This ongoing commitment is a testament to our dedication to digital equity in Oregon.