The Digital Navigator Program launched in March 2023 with $1.7 million in funding from state legislation, SB 22-140, administered by CDLE and a match from Serve Colorado/ AmeriCorps. Additionally, Comcast contributed $600,000 for the two-year period of this program. A Request for Applications through Serve Colorado was opened in March 2023. The Learning Source and Loveland Public Library were selected as grantees, and the first cohort of nearly 22 AmeriCorps member Digital Navigators began service in Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver, Boulder, Weld, Larimer, Pueblo, Jefferson, and Pitkin counties starting October 2023.
The program addresses digital inclusion, a critical social determinant of health impacting economic stability, healthcare, education, and community wellbeing. Digital Navigators support community members by improving home connectivity, device access, and digital skills. Digital Navigators work primarily one on one with community members-- in person, by phone and online--depending on the needs of each community member. When community members’ needs and goals align, Digital Navigators also offer small group training. The role of Digital Navigators in their community is to:
- Assess community members’ access to internet service and equipment at home, along with their ability to utilize technology to meet their needs and achieve their goals;
- Create digital inclusion goals and work with community members to achieve them;
- And serve people who are members of historically marginalized communities.
This program aims to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with essential digital skills.
Digital Navigator AmeriCorps Programs
Become a Digital Navigator! Serve with one of the Digital Navigator programs below and help individuals and families expand their digital skills. You'll receive a living allowance while serving, potentially qualify for health insurance and earn an education award to use to repay past student loans or for future educational expenses.
View Colorado Digital Navigator Program Sites in Google Maps.
Larimer County Public Library
The Digital Navigators of Larimer County Libraries program will place AmeriCorps members in 6 Larimer County library locations to help underserved community members with gaining connectivity, access, digital skills and confidence via computer tutoring.
Learn more about Larimer County Public Library Digital Navigators!
The Learning Source
The Learning Source, Colorado's oldest and largest adult education agency, offers educational opportunities for adults and families through various programs, including family literacy, Adult Basic Education/High School Equivalency (GED completion), and English Language Acquisition. Join our team as a Digital Navigator in the Digital Navigation Program!
The Learning Source's Digital Navigator AmeriCorps program leverages the efforts of AmeriCorps members in partnership with a coalition of nonprofit and civic-engaged organizations to bridge the digital divide by providing hands-on assistance in accessing and using digital technology.
Please fill out the Digital Navigator Interest Form to learn more!
Ways to Get Involved
- Apply for Funding: Grants are available for nonprofit organizations, federally recognized Tribes, institutions of higher education, and state/local agencies to plan or operate an AmeriCorps program. Learn more about AmeriCorps funding here.
- Serve in a Program: Contact a program above to learn more and apply!
- Partner to Increase Impact: Strategic partnerships strengthen AmeriCorps programs and their service impact in local communities. Interested in partnering? Contact Teralyn Dorst at teralyn.dorst@state.co.us for more information on how you or your organization can get involved.