MakeIT Haverhill helps narrow the digital divide

Narrowing the digital divide between those who can’t afford a computer or internet access and those who can is the goal of a program taking place in several communities in Essex County, including Haverhill (MA). With the support of a regional program, Haverhill residents are getting help in the form of free computer classes, free computers and free internet access from the nonprofit MakeIT Haverhill. In 2021, the nonprofit Boston-based Tech Goes Home partnered with the Essex County Community Foundation on a pilot program covering 50 households across five program sites: Lawrence Community Works, MakeIT Haverhill, North Shore CDC, the Latino Support Network of Lynn, and Wellspring House of Gloucester. Lisbeth Valdez, program director for MakeIT Haverhill, said any Haverhill resident can receive the free computer training although the program is primarily attracting residents with little or no computer or internet skills. Many of them happen to be from low-income households, she said. Tech Goes Home helps residents achieve a high-speed connection, helps them enroll in affordable internet service — including through the Federal Communication Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — and then works with its partners to cover the cost for up to one year. Participants who complete 16 hours of free digital skills training receive a free Chromebook and a free wireless hotspot for a year.