Across the Rio Grande Valley, Colonias are vibrant rural communities with deep cultural roots, strong social networks, and a long history of resilience. At the same time, many residents face barriers to essential resources, including reliable internet access, healthcare, housing, transportation, and educational opportunities.
Through funding from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas (MHM), digitalLIFT is working alongside trusted community organizations to help bridge the digital divide in these communities. This effort is part of a larger South Texas digital equity initiative that recognizes access to technology as a critical factor in health, education, economic mobility, and overall quality of life. MHM has invested more than $21 million over three years to advance digital equity across South Texas, supporting community-based organizations with the tools, training, and resources needed to help residents fully participate in today’s digital world.
Our work in the Colonias focuses on building digital skills, increasing confidence with technology, and connecting residents to trusted resources through community-centered partnerships. By strengthening the capacity of local leaders, staff, and volunteers, we are helping create sustainable pathways to digital inclusion that extend far beyond individual learners.
Building Capacity Through Trusted Community Partners
La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE)
LUPE has long served families throughout the Rio Grande Valley Colonias through community organizing, education, resource connection, and advocacy. The organization works to advance equity, civic engagement, immigrant rights, and to improve quality of life for underserved communities.
In partnership with LUPE, digitalLIFT provided technology training to staff and volunteers, helping strengthen outreach and community engagement efforts. The training focused on Google Workspace tools, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets, enabling participants to improve communication, collaboration, reporting, and information sharing. These skills became especially valuable during periods of crisis, when trusted community organizations played a critical role in connecting residents with timely information and essential resources.
Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) and ARISE Adelante
Through our partnership with IDRA’s Digital Ambassadors Program, digitalLIFT worked alongside ARISE Adelante, an organization dedicated to empowering women, families, and youth through leadership development, civic engagement, and community advocacy in the Rio Grande Valley Colonias.
Together, we supported programs that help community members build confidence using technology in their daily lives. Participants strengthened their ability to access online resources, communicate digitally, complete online applications, and use technology as a tool for education, advocacy, and community leadership.
Activities included:
- Virtual digital literacy workshops hosted in community spaces
- Training on internet safety, online scams, and misinformation
- Support using laptops, computers, email, and online applications
- Digital skills development for accessing healthcare, education, and public resources online
Measuring Community Impact
Through these partnerships, digitalLIFT supported 80 learners, providing at total of 128.25 learner hours and 15.75 service hours.
The impact extends beyond participation numbers. Community members, volunteers, and staff increased their confidence using technology to navigate everyday tasks, communicate with others, and access important services.
Key outcomes included:
- Increased confidence using technology for communication, education, and daily activities
- Improved ability to access online healthcare, public benefits, and community resources
- Stronger digital communication and collaboration skills through platforms such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets
- Expanded community engagement through more effective digital outreach and information sharing
- Increased confidence among staff and volunteers supporting others with technology
- Reduced fear and hesitation around using digital tools and online platforms
- Greater ability to use technology for advocacy and community leadership
- Stronger collaboration between organizations, volunteers, and residents through shared digital tools
Digital Equity Is Health Equity
One of the driving principles behind MHM’s investment in digital equity is the understanding that access to technology directly impacts health outcomes. Today, internet access and digital skills are essential for accessing telehealth appointments, applying for public benefits, finding employment, connecting with education opportunities, and staying informed about community resources. MHM has described digital equity as a critical component of advancing health equity across South Texas.
Our work in the Colonias demonstrates that digital inclusion is about much more than devices and connectivity. It is about trust, relationships, education, and empowerment. Working with IDRA’s Digital Ambassadors has helped strengthen community-centered approaches to digital literacy while ensuring training remains culturally relevant and responsive to local needs.
These partnerships also highlight the importance of meeting people where they are. In many communities, barriers such as affordability, language access, transportation, and limited connectivity can affect digital participation. By collaborating with trusted local organizations, we can provide support that reflects the realities and strengths of each community.
Looking Ahead
The progress made in the Colonias of the Rio Grande Valley demonstrates what is possible when community organizations, funders, and local leaders work together toward a shared goal. Through support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the leadership of partners like LUPE, IDRA, and ARISE Adelante, residents are gaining the skills, confidence, and support needed to navigate an increasingly digital world
As community leaders and volunteers continue sharing their knowledge with others, the impact of this work will continue to grow, helping ensure that more residents across the Rio Grande Valley can stay connected, informed, healthy, and engaged for years to come.
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