The City of Cambridge was recently awarded two grants from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), aimed at supporting digital equity and addressing gaps in digital access for Cambridge residents. The Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC), which provides free job training and educational classes to adult learners, received 360 digital devices through MBI's Connected and Online Program. Additionally, the Cambridge Public Library announced Tech for All in March, a program funded through MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Through Tech for All, 68 refurbished laptops and 83 mobile Wi-Fi hotspots were distributed to eligible Library patrons, funded by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

The CLC, a division of the City's Department of Human Service Programs, serves close to 800 adult learners each year through programs that teach students to speak English as a Second Language, provide job training for healthcare and early childhood career tracks, prepare students for their high school equivalency credential, and prepare students to enroll in college. The majority of CLC's students immigrated to Cambridge and come from low-income households. Many are learning how to access services, navigate resources, and complete lessons online, and do not have reliable access to digital devices or internet.

At the CLC, we prioritize teaching digital literacy in all of our programs to support our students in developing the critical skills they need to pursue their personal and professional goals," said Maria Kefallinou, Director of the CLC. "We are thrilled to receive this grant from MBI's Connected & Online Program, which provided 300 Chromebooks and 60 hot spots. Every school year, these devices will be loaned to CLC students to help them complete coursework, apply for jobs, access healthcare resources, and become more involved members of the Cambridge community."

The Cambridge Public Library designed Tech for All to address gaps in digital access among library patrons. The program, which was funded by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, distributed free, refurbished Windows-based laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to eligible patrons and enrolled recipients in an in-person "Meet Your Device" workshop to promote digital literacy. Through the MBI Implementation Grant, Cambridge Public Library will extend vital Digital Navigator services through June 2026 and provide additional laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to qualifying Cambridge residents through the fall of 2026. Refurbished laptops will be equipped with Windows software for workforce development, digital literacy, skill development and more. Wi-Fi hotspots with prepaid 4G service will ensure connectivity for some of the City's most vulnerable residents.

The Tech for All program builds on the Library's Digital Equity Initiative, our ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide through workshops, support, and access to devices." said Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries.

In addition to these recent strides in digital device distribution, the CLC and Cambridge Public Library support digital access through their participation in the Digital Navigator Program, a coalition of partners that also includes the Cambridge Public Schools, Just-A-Start, Homeowner's Rehab Inc., Cambridge Housing Authority, and Cambridge Community Television (CCTV). The Digital Navigator Program offers in-person support from Digital Navigator roles who support low-income residents in accessing internet service, free digital devices, digital literacy classes, and one-on-one tech support. Since launching in June 2024, the program has served close to 1,000 Cambridge residents. The Digital Navigator program is funded through June 2026.

About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech

A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. Learn more at broadband.masstech.org.