California Continues to Invest in Digital Inclusion, and digitalLIFT Is Helping Lead the Way
California is doubling down on its commitment to digital inclusion, and digitalLIFT is proud to be part of this statewide effort. In light of the reported loss of Digital Equity Act funding in May, the California Department of Technology recently announced a new network of digital inclusion partners that will help communities across the state expand access to affordable internet, devices, digital skills training, and digital navigation services.
As one of only a handful of statewide partners, digitalLIFT will provide capacity-building training for community-based organizations and professional training for Digital Navigators, helping local organizations build sustainable programs that connect more Californians to the technology and skills they need to thrive.
The momentum continues with the California Public Utilities Commission’s latest California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) awards. digitalLIFT received two Adoption Account grants: Marin County Connected and Oakland Chinatown Senior Technology Enrichment.
We are also proud to support five additional funded partners, including EAH, Napa Valley Support Services, UpValley Family Centers, Daly City Partnership, and MARU (formerly Korean Community Center of the East Bay). In addition, digitalLIFT is participating in the E = mc² Silicon Valley Consortium with ASIAN, Inc. and the San Francisco Tech Council to strengthen regional broadband planning and coordination.
Together, these investments demonstrate California’s continued commitment to ensuring every resident has the opportunity to participate fully in our digital society, and we are honored to help make that vision a reality.
New Workshop Curriculum 3-Pack: “Staying Safe Online” – 25% Discount for a Limited Time
Normally priced at $225, you can get this 3-pack for only $168.75 (25% off) through August 14th (no coupon code required).
This package focuses on developing skills and knowledge to stay safe online and contains the following three workshops:
- Misinformation & Clickbait: Enable learners to spot and avoid deceptive online content while practicing critical thinking skills for everyday browsing.
- Common Scams: Teach people how to recognize red flags and avoid common scams targeting email, text, and phone users.
- Online Shopping: This English-language workshop introduces learners to online shopping, with a focus on safety and best practices.
Download the presenter slides and learner booklet today, and confidently teach these 1-hour workshops tomorrow!
Lifelong Learning in Action
At 87 and 82 respectively, Helen and Shu Ping are proving it’s never too late to learn. Regular participants in our Cantonese Tech Support Zoom sessions, the pair recently traveled by public transit to the Excelsior Branch Library for in-person assistance, provided free through the SF Connected Program. There, Helen worked one-on-one with Sabrina Tam, Associate Director of Programs, while both learners received support in their preferred language.
They learned how to forward dental X-rays to a dentist and discovered simple smartphone tips that made their devices easier to use. They told staff that Zoom classes are valuable, but they feel more comfortable asking questions in person.
Strengthening Community Connections
Our latest Partner Spotlights celebrate the organizations and collaborations advancing digital inclusion in meaningful ways. Learn how the San Francisco Public Library’s Tech Week 2026 brought together partners across the city to help residents build digital confidence, discover how the City of Fairfield Adult Recreation Center is empowering older adults through hands-on digital skills training, and explore why technology access has become an essential part of healthcare.
Together, these stories demonstrate how strong partnerships are expanding access to technology, improving health outcomes, and creating more connected, resilient communities, one learner, one organization, and one partnership at a time.
Advancing Digital Opportunity on Capitol Hill
This summer, digitalLIFT Deputy Director Skye Downing joined fellow leaders from across the country as a member of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s (NDIA) Connectivity Policy Corps.
As part of D.C. Hill Week activities, Texas participants engaged virtually with staff from the offices of Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and Representatives Pfluger and Casar, to share how federal broadband investments are impacting communities across the state.
Drawing on digitalLIFT’s work across 100 Texas counties, Skye highlighted the importance of pairing broadband infrastructure with affordable connectivity, devices, digital skills, and trusted community support. Conversations focused on protecting Digital Equity Act investments, preserving BEAD non-deployment funding for broadband adoption, and modernizing the Universal Service Fund.
The meetings also opened the door for continued collaboration, with an invitation for congressional staff to visit digitalLIFT partner sites and experience firsthand how digital opportunity is strengthening education, workforce development, healthcare access, and community resilience across Texas.
The technology matters. But what matters more is what that technology makes possible: healthier lives, stronger communities, and opportunities that reach everyone.
Each month, we’re featuring stories, insights, and successes from digital inclusion leaders across the country. Each story highlights real-world strategies, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to closing the digital divide.
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