Income-eligible residents living in Sacramento can now apply for free digital resources including computers, internet and digital training.
The three-year digital equity program is lead by United Way California Capital Region in partnership with the City of Sacramento, SMUD, City of Rancho Cordova and community nonprofits.
This program is built off of the pilot project the City of Sacramento and United Way launched in fall 2020 with federal CARES Act funds.
“Closing the digital divide is crucial to ensuring that everyone in our region can access educational and economic opportunity,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “I’m proud that as a city, we have invested nearly $200 million over the past three years directly in community programs like these, working with dedicated partners like United Way, SMUD and our many nonprofits that work tirelessly to make Sacramento a more equitable place.”
“Bridging the digital divide is a moral imperative,” said Mayor Pro Tem Angelique Ashby. “Championing this effort during the pandemic has been an honor and has created a path forward to continuing the work of connecting our neighborhoods to affordable, fast, reliable access to the internet.”
The program partners with select community-based nonprofits to identify and triage households eligible for broadband assistance, computers and devices, and basic digital literacy.
The program plans to provide internet access for up to 2,000 households a year, refurbished desktop computers for up to 500 people per year and digital literacy training through online resources and classes. Priority will be given to low-income households with children and senior citizens.
Eligible households can receive a year of free internet access either through Comcast Digital Essential Services’ broadband or through an AT&T hotspot.
Learn more and apply at YourLocalUnitedWay.org/Digital or call 211.
Sacramentans in need of internet access can use the Sacramento Public Library’s free mobile Wi-Fi hotspot check-out program and access free Wi-Fi at 27 public city parks.