Lt. Governor Primavera Celebrates Anniversary of Colorado Digital Navigators Pilot Launch

The Digital Navigators Program is managed by Serve Colorado within the Office of the Lt. Governor

AURORA - Lt. Governor Primavera recently spoke at the Aurora Public Library in recognition of Digital Inclusion Week and the Colorado Digital Navigators Pilot Program. Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration that promotes action for digital equity solutions. DIW is organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and its 1,800+ affiliates nationwide. Colorado joins states and communities across the country in highlighting their efforts online and in-person.

"I strongly believe in fostering a culture of accessibility and inclusion for Coloradans across the state. Implementing these practices in digital and online spaces has been historically overlooked despite its tremendous importance," said Lt. Governor Primavera. "I am so proud of our Digital Navigators and their firm commitment to serving communities in need. Their tireless efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with essential digital skills is integral to creating a Colorado for All."

The Digital Navigators AmeriCorps program recently finished a successful inaugural year. The program launched in March 2023 in collaboration with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Serve Colorado, and Comcast. The Learning Source and Loveland Public Library were awarded funding to recruit and train AmeriCorps member Digital Navigators. This initiative addressed digital inclusion, a critical social determinant of economic stability, healthcare, education, and community wellbeing. Digital Navigators support community members by improving home connectivity, device access, and digital skills. Digital Navigators worked primarily one on one with community members - in person, by phone and online - depending on the needs of each community member.

The first cohort of nearly 22 AmeriCorps Digital Navigators began service in Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver, Boulder, Weld, Larimer, Pueblo, Jefferson, and Pitkin counties in October 2023. As of the end of September 2024, the Digital Navigator Pilot Program now provides services at 74 locations in 13 counties, including in counties with some of the slowest, most unreliable internet connectivity in Colorado like Costilla, Saguache, and Rio Grande counties. Over half the Digital Navigators speak a language in addition to English. Sites are actively recruiting for the next program year.

"I want to extend a thank you to the Aurora Public Library, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), and Serve Colorado for making this opportunity possible," said Lt. Governor Primavera. "Initiatives like Digital Inclusion Week are vital in continuing to spread awareness towards this critical issue."

For more information about Serve Colorado and the Digital Navigators program, visit https://servecolorado.colorado.gov/digitalnavigators.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation's most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

###