Across the country, local governments are stepping up to ensure their communities are not left behind in an increasingly digital world. This year, along with 55 other organizations, Lake County, IL; Albemarle County, VA; and Pima County, AZ were recognized as NDIA Digital Inclusion Trailblazers—and for good reason.
Each county demonstrates what’s possible when strategy, partnerships, and community-centered design come together to expand access to technology, skills, and opportunity.
Lake County, IL: Building a Countywide Digital Ecosystem
Lake County’s approach stands out because it is not a single program—it’s a coordinated, countywide strategy.
Through the Digital Growth Initiative (DGI), the county aligns its Digital Navigator Program and Digital Equity Coalition under one shared vision: expanding access and opportunity for all residents.
This coordination has led to real, measurable impact:
- 4,400+ residents served
- 3,700+ learning sessions delivered
- 1,200+ devices distributed
At the heart of this work is the “Learn to Earn” program, where participants complete 12 hours of digital skills training, receive hands-on support, and can earn a laptop. But the real success goes beyond the numbers.
One participant, who initially enrolled to keep up with new job requirements, finished the course and immediately asked, “What’s next?” Now equipped with his own laptop and ongoing learning tools, he continues to build his skills—proof that access plus confidence creates momentum.
Lake County’s model shows that when digital inclusion is treated as essential infrastructure, it strengthens workforce development, education, healthcare access, and overall community resilience.
Albemarle County, VA: Leading with People and Partnerships
In Albemarle County, digital inclusion success starts with people.
What began as one public servant’s effort to address broadband gaps has evolved into a community-driven strategy grounded in collaboration. Early leadership recognized that infrastructure alone wasn’t enough—affordability and access had to be part of the equation.
By convening a diverse group of stakeholders—including providers, legal experts, advocates, and residents—the county built a program that now helps over 500 households stay connected.
That original stakeholder group has grown into a sustained coalition that continues to guide and strengthen the work today.
Albemarle’s key lesson: digital inclusion requires shared ownership. Counties must ensure that community voices are represented in decision-making spaces and invest in coalitions that bring stakeholders together. In an environment of uncertain funding and shifting policy opportunities, these partnerships are what sustain long-term progress.
Pima County, AZ: Transforming Confidence Through Learning
In Pima County, digital inclusion comes to life in the classroom.
Through its Office of Digital Inclusion, the county’s Digital Navigator Program and “Learn to Earn” classes are helping residents—many of them seniors—take their first steps into the digital world.
Since launching in 2024, the program has:
- Hosted 21 classes
- Served 165+ participants
- Provided laptops to program graduates
Classes are offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities, including those facing language barriers, disabilities, or geographic isolation.
The transformation is powerful. One participant shared:
“I was so excited to learn how to pay my bills online. I don’t have to rely on my children or grandchildren anymore. Now I can learn more things on my own.”
That shift—from dependence to independence—is at the core of Pima County’s work. By pairing skills training with device access and ongoing support, the county is helping residents build not just competence, but confidence.
Their approach is rooted in collaboration, connecting participants to additional resources across libraries, departments, and community organizations to ensure continued growth.
A Shared Lesson: Coordination is the Catalyst
While each county’s approach is unique, a common thread runs through all three Trailblazers: intentional coordination turns good programs into transformational systems.
- Lake County demonstrates how aligning programs under a unified strategy can scale impact across an entire region
- Albemarle County shows that sustained progress depends on engaged stakeholders and community-led decision-making
- Pima County proves that when training, devices, and support are integrated, individuals gain not just access—but lasting confidence
Together, they highlight a powerful reality – digital inclusion succeeds when communities connect the dots—across programs, partners, and people.
At digitalLIFT, we’ve seen firsthand how this kind of coordination accelerates impact. Whether you’re launching a Digital Navigator Program, strengthening a coalition, or building a countywide strategy, you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s build it together. If your community is ready to expand digital access and opportunity, reach out to digitalLIFT to explore partnership opportunities and learn how we can support your work.
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