From the Washington State Department of Commerce's press release:
This week, the Washington State Broadband Office approved $7,387,500 in grants for Digital Navigator services throughout Washington state. Digital Navigator services are essential in helping new internet users get online. These resources will support individuals seeking work, families supporting students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing poverty, and senior citizens.
Digital Navigator services will include developing a hotline that community members can call during standard business hours for assistance or to schedule an appointment with a Digital Navigator. They will also offer ongoing digital literacy skills training, including technical skills and application support across a broad spectrum of devices, platforms, and applications in communities throughout Washington.
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The projects awarded funding are:
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Community Health Network of Washington – $1,369,094 Funding will deliver digital navigation services using an existing network of 20 Community Health Centers, which provide care and service to over 1 million low-income patients, including Medicaid members. Grant activities will include providing digital navigator services using an existing customer service call center, hosting web-based digital literacy skills training, and distributing devices to patients in need.
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Equity in Education Coalition – $2,365,000 The grant will allow the Connect Washington Coalition to provide culturally literate, community embedded digital literacy skills through digital navigator services. They will offer a multilingual call-in center to provide technology support services as well as digital navigation and resources. Funding will also support community-based digital equity solutions in partnership with local governments and state broadband funders, including the WSBO and Public Works Board.
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Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region – $1,835,000 Grant funding is designated to provide outreach and services to all 39 counties. Services include a centralized Digital Navigator Hotline, Device and Internet Connectivity Gifting Program for device distribution, and 20 Digital Navigators strategically positioned throughout the state. Digital Navigators will provide mobile outreach and services, virtual services, and multiple service location options through their network of retail thrift stores and job training centers.
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Seattle Housing Authority – $1,818,405 The awarded grant will be utilized to renew and expand Seattle Housing Authority’s existing Digital Navigators pilot program. Funding will bring a range of digital navigation services to more than 5,000 people living at SHA properties throughout Seattle.
Read the Washington State Department of Commerce's press release.