Digital Navigators: Making a Difference in Washington

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 Washington 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 $12 million in Washington 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 are helping people learn how to get online, use technology and devices, leverage resources, and acquire digital skills.

These trusted community organizations, which include Asian Counseling & Referral Service, Boys & Girls Clubs across Washington, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Easterseals Washington, El Centro de la Raza, Evergreen Goodwill, Goodwill Olympics & Rainier Region, Operation Military Family, Paralyzed Veterans of America Northwest, Workforce Development Council, YWCA Seattle – King – Snohomish and more, are making a significant impact on digital equity in Washington.

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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) is one example that demonstrates how a trusted organization can have a significant impact on their community. BGCSC recognizes the vital role that technology plays in enabling innovation, creativity and advancement of school age children. That is why they partnered with Comcast to open a new Lift Zone recently at the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club. The Lift Zone was made possible by a $65,000 contribution from Comcast, which is giving the club a technology upgrade and maximizing the free internet access provided by our Lift Zones program.

The new equipment includes 3D printers, interactive, lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, STEAM kits, high powered desktop computers, for advanced programming and laptops for each student to use. The Lift Zone includes a podcast studio for kids where young voices can explore creativity and technology. Equipped with professional-quality microphones, recording software, and soundproofing, allow children to create and share their own stories, interviews, and audio content. The studio not only nurtures storytelling skills but also helps develop technical expertise, boosting digital literacy in a fun and engaging environment.

Another organization that has made great strides in bridging the digital divide is the Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) in Burien, Washington.

In a significant move aimed at closing the digital divide for veterans with disabilities, Comcast recently made a $65,000 donation in equipment and in-kind services to NWPVA to transform the organization’s facility into an assistive technology hub. For veterans with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities, accessing digital resources has often been challenging due to limitations in assistive technology and inclusive design. Comcast’s donation aims to address this, not just by providing upgraded hardware but also by supporting digital literacy training that will help veterans develop the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.

Broadband adoption and digital skill-building provide new pathways to opportunity. Still, none of this is possible without public-private partnerships in Washington 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 Washington.

Disclaimer: Andy Colley is a senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal.