In an increasingly connected world, having access to the internet and the skills to navigate it is essential for education, health, employment, and social connection. Yet, in Santa Barbara County, California, 8% of residents—including many older adults and people with disabilities—still lack access to reliable internet and the knowledge to use it.
That’s why the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) and Community Tech Network (CTN) joined forces in 2024 to make a difference.The goal? To empower underserved communities with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
Together, we worked on this Access to Technology (ATT) initiative with five nonprofit organizations—the American GI Forum, CommUnify, Community Partners in Caring, Family Service Agency, and the Independent Living Resource Center—to launch localized digital inclusion programs throughout Santa Barbara County tailored to meet the unique needs of their communities.
Building Capacity for Digital Inclusion
At the heart of this partnership is CTN’s capacity-building approach. We provided training for staff at each nonprofit, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to launch their own digital inclusion efforts.
These staff members became digital navigators—community resources trained to guide others in accessing essential digital tools and services, from low-cost internet options to online job applications. Additionally, they gained the teaching skills necessary to confidently deliver technology classes to their community members.
CTN also provided each organization comprehensive technology curricula, complete with trainer guides and learner workbooks, available in multiple languages and tailored for various devices.
Delivering Devices to Those in Need
One of the most visible aspects of this program was the distribution of free devices, including Samsung tablets, iPads, Chromebooks, smartphones, smartwatches with fall detection, and Bluetooth headphones to eligible participants. CTN worked closely with each nonprofit partner to determine the types and quantities of devices that would best serve their communities.
Supporting Nonprofits Every Step of the Way
Launching a new digital inclusion initiative can be daunting for nonprofits already stretched thin. That’s why CTN also provided marketing support to help our Santa Barbara County partners effectively reach their communities.
We created custom promotional materials—flyers, handouts, and newsletter blurbs—so that nonprofits could focus their energy on delivering crucial services rather than spreading the word. This behind-the-scenes support allowed organizations to make a greater impact without diverting valuable time and resources.
Tailored Training for Diverse Communities
Each nonprofit partner designed a training program that suited their community’s needs. For example:
- Community Partners in Caring paired older adults with volunteers who would visit their homes for personalized, one-on-one instruction, focusing on each learner’s unique goals and interests.
- CommUnify hosted group classes at multiple locations across the county, allowing participants to learn alongside their peers.
- American GI Forum provided instruction in Mixtec, an indigenous language from southern Mexico, in addition to English and Spanish.
By tailoring these programs to the unique needs and preferences of their communities, these organizations ensured that digital skills training was accessible, relevant, and impactful.
Sustainability at the Core
This initiative is designed for long-term success. By training local staff and volunteers, CTN and SBF have ensured that knowledge and resources will remain within the community. Nonprofits now have the tools to continue offering digital skills training and supporting residents well into the future, creating a lasting impact.
Why This Matters
The benefits of digital inclusion are profound. From ordering groceries online to accessing telehealth services, the ability to use technology can enhance independence, improve health outcomes, and reduce isolation. For older adults, people with disabilities, and others who have been left behind in the digital age, our initiatives provide a lifeline to education, economic opportunity, and joy.
CTN is proud to have played a central role in this transformative partnership! Together with SBF and participating nonprofit partners, we’re making digital inclusion a reality for Santa Barbara County—one community at a time.
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