National Digital Inclusion Alliance

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is thrilled to publish the first set of many resources and tools for our community that shine a light on the work of digital inclusion coalitions across the country.  We’re sharing an interactive map and visualizations of coalitions that feature a breakdown of 85 coalitions representing statewide, regional, and local (municipal and county) levels of geography. We recommend that you use these tools to gather contact information for any listed coalition to get connected with leaders across the country and learn more about their important work. 

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has worked with and learned from the thousands of people on the ground in communities across the country who are doing the important work of narrowing the digital divide. Along the way, we've learned about five essentials for running successful digital navigator programs:

“Technology isn’t just about computers—it’s about creating access to jobs, education, healthcare, and staying connected with family,” says Joe Hillaire, the lead Digital Navigator for Lummi Nation, a Tribal land located along coastal northern Washington state. Joe is helping the Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) build a Digital Navigator program by providing skills training and facilitating access to digital tools for residents of the Lummi Reservation. The Lummi people have deep ties to th

Working in rural Iowa, where seven of the state’s smallest incorporated communities are located, Digital Navigator Allison Ruhl has been tirelessly building a program to reach residents with technical assistance, digital skills training, and devices. Her work bridges the gap for people in hard-to-reach geographies, helping them gain the tools and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Allison is central to the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN)’s participation in NDIA’s National Digital Navigator Corps.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance, in partnership with AMERIND Critical Infrastructure, is proud to present the very first ever awardees of the Seven Star Communities program. 

Since 2020, the digital navigator model has spread like wildfire. Programs with trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills are now in hundreds of communities across the U.S. Thirty-nine states and territories included digital navigator programs in their state/territory digital equity/opportunity plans, many of whom included libraries as key community partners.

National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Day encourages collective action to learn more about AI and reflect on how it shapes the human experience in all aspects of life. AI literacy is for everyone. It’s for people who design technology and people who interact with technology—whether they choose to adopt the latest tools or not—because AI is increasingly embedded into traditional platforms and products.

Nearly 5,000 people call the Umatilla Nation home. On any given day, residents across the reservation come together to celebrate and honor their heritage and culture. Community is an integral part of every day, and connecting is woven into the fabric of Tribal life. For Tribal communities, ‘connectivity’ means preserving traditions while engaging with the modern digital world. Unfortunately, limited technology and connectivity resources on the Umatilla Reservation have also left many residents without the opportunity and tools needed to thrive in today’s online society.

The Digital Equity Act, with an allocated $2.75 billion budget, is the largest investment in digital inclusion efforts to date. Along with the other broadband provisions in the law, the DEA is the most active systemic approach to closing the digital divide in US history. There is great potential that this essential funding, which will support communities across the country in closing the digital divide, is at risk of being cut, paused, or endlessly delayed.

On March 5th, 16 National Digital Inclusion Alliance affiliates from across the country, half of the NDIA team, and several of NDIA’s partners spent the day on Capitol Hill to share with Congress how NDIA’s 2,000 affiliates help people in their districts get and stay online safely. In total, we had 65 meetings with staff from the Senate and House offices of 23 states.