Washington State Broadband Office awards $14.5 million to provide one-on-one technical support, devices, and subscriptions to facilitate internet use and adoption

The Washington State Department of Commerce committed $14.5 million in grants to continue expanding access to the internet through digital navigator services. These grants were awarded to three organizations:

• Equity in Education Coalition – $10,223,042 million. Will provide community-embedded digital literacy skills and offer skills training and a multilingual call-in center to provide technology support services. Funding will also support the creation of a Digital Navigation Resource app available to all Washington residents, and support the distribution of internet-capable devices, smartphones, headsets, and supporting equipment.
• Community Health Network of Washington – $3,846,000 million. Will partner with community and neighborhood health clinics and centers to provide digital navigation support.
• Nisqually Indian Tribe – $430,958. Will collaborate with the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Timberland Regional Library, the Thurston Economic Development Council, and Thurston Thrives to ensure all individuals have access to digital navigation services for individuals and business, a variety of digital skills classes, devices, Wi-Fi connectivity, and discounted or free internet services.