Tech Goes Home Receives $4.5 Million Dollar Grant to Expand Digital Equity Work Across Massachusetts
Tech Goes Home, a Massachusetts nonprofit working to advance digital equity, has received a historic $4.5 million dollar grant to expand its digital access in 13 Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth — including Lowell, Lynn, Revere, Brockton, Fall River, and Springfield.
Since 2000, this Boston-based organization has provided electronic devices, internet access, and digital skills training to tens of thousands of people, providing easy access to the digital world. Last year, nearly 400 TGH courses were offered at over 100 partner sites, and more than 3,800 people completed the TGH program. Among those graduates, 98 percent of school-aged children said they were better able to do schoolwork online; 91 percent reported using their new digital device to communicate via email; and 74 percent of graduates used their new tools and knowledge to access telehealth, according to its 2022 annual report.
“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward in expanding our work across the Commonwealth and bringing greater attention to the economic, educational, and health disparities that are connected to digital inequity,” said Dan Noyes, CEO of Tech Goes Home. “This new investment provides the opportunity to implement our model in more geographies across the Commonwealth, as well as shine a light on the power of public-private partnerships in solving entrenched societal issues.”
Participants of TGH program will earn a free computer or laptop, one year of reliable internet at no cost, after completed 15 hours digital skills training. Participants will learn everything from how to open an email account to how to manage finances online. Tech Goes Home is currently partnered with UTEC in Lowell, but the agency has expressed interest in looking for other community-based organizations to work alongside. With the grant — awarded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), with American Rescue Plan (ARPA) dollars designated for digital equity — Tech Goes Home will also be able to offer subgrants to community-based organizations working to expand digital access, including organizations that work in Lowell.
“Our partner organizations are leaders in the digital equity field and have cultivated an incredible network of local stakeholders who will ensure these funds have maximum benefit to the communities they are designed to serve,” said Michael Baldino, MBI director. “Today’s grants, coupled with our municipal planning program and the engagement of our dedicated working group members, will ensure that the dollars invested lead to the desired impact – more residents will not only gain access to devices, digital skills, and more affordable internet, they will have access to a wider range of social, educational, and healthcare resources.”
