California State University, Sacramento State

This project will train undergraduate students from Lemon Hill. Once trained, the Digital Navigator Interns (DNIs) will serve as teaching assistants, interns and mentors in digital learning spaces where they will help residents: 1) assess their needs and guide them toward suitable resources; 2) sign up for eligible low-cost internet programs including the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (to be replaced by the long-term Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP); 3) access subsidized or low-cost devices; 4) access the Internet with existing resources; 5) use broadband/internet services for telehealth, education, job seeking and economic development; 6) address concerns about security and safety and overcome language barriers; 7) provide technical support; and 8) help community members develop digital literacy skills to improve their quality of life. Sacramento State will also establish a Community Engagement Lab (CEL) that will have all the essential software and equipment, will be staffed by DNIs, and have scheduled access for community training or open lab time for both DNIs and community participants to work together or independently.

As a result of implementing the project, the following outcomes will be met: Internal stakeholders (affiliated administrators and faculty) in participating MSIs will report increased capacity to develop and implement a DNI program and Community Engagement Labs with reporting a positive benefit for both the institution and the community. Eligible CBOs will report increased capacity above baseline to develop and delivery digital equity programs to the community through the DNIs; eligible community-based organizations (CBOs) and other community anchor institutions will report the positive benefit of reaching more residents with services and programs. Students trained as Digital Navigators will report an increase in knowledge and skills in training basic computer/broadband literacy above baseline by the end of their training, and Digital Navigators will complete minimally a 6-month paid internship. Community residents assisted by DNI’s will report positive resolution of their broadband issue or goal and increased skill, comfort and confidence in using the Internet; Increased digital equity outcomes for community residents assisted by DNIs including a) new applications for no or low-cost internet programs; and b) number of devices obtained.

Overall, this project will empower both students and anchor institutions in the Lemon Hill community in Sacramento, CA with the capacity to significantly improve broadband access, adoption and digital literacy. It will serve as a model to scale in the Greater Sacramento region and create more opportunities for digital equity that lead to inclusive economic development.

There are five key subrecipients and they include The Greater Sacramento Urban League, La Familia Counseling center, Sacramento City College (SCC), United Way California Capital Region, and Valley Vision. The subrecipients will provide computers and opportunities for DNIs to support basic and digital literacy instruction and remote learning at satellite campus, identify and match DNIs with CBOs in the region, help supervise DNIs, and participate in project evaluation including best practices.