Cambridge, Massachusetts, is making strides in digital equity through its Digital Navigator Pilot Program. Spearheaded by CCTV cambridge, a community media center, teh initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, notably for BIPOC, immigrant, adn low-income communities. Digital equity ensures everyone has access to technology, enabling full participation in society.

Digital Navigator Program: A Year of Impact

CCTV Cambridge’s Director of Community Relations, Maritza Grooms, shared insights into the program’s success.The Digital Navigator Pilot Program,launched in August 2024,has already served 492 community members.

CCTV has had a year of transition and change. One of the biggest was the establishing of the Digital Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with multiple partners funded in part by Masshire Metro North Workforce Investment board through the Mass Broadband Institute.This program has already had a great impact in Cambridge as its official launch in August 2024, serving 492 community members! This program demonstrates the clear need for digital navigator services in Cambridge and beyond. Our community has used this service to get devices that have allowed them restart their career journey or go back to school, and take digital literacy classes to gain new skills to help them along the way.

Maritza Grooms, Director of Community Relations, CCTV Cambridge

CCTV Cambridge: Mission and Digital Equity

CCTV Cambridge aligns its mission with the principles of free expression, information security, privacy, creativity, and access to knowledge. The Digital Navigator program directly supports this mission.

CCTV’s mission is to nurture a strong, equitable, and diverse community by providing tools and training to foster free speech, civic engagement, access to knowledge, and creative expression. The Digital Navigator program fulfills this mission not only for the community we serve, but in the ripple effects that generate from our community members having the tools to participate in our society. the Digital Navigator Pilot Program aims to bridge the digital divide in Cambridge, specifically supporting BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities to enhance economic mobility.

Maritza Grooms, Director of Community Relations, CCTV Cambridge

How to Support CCTV Cambridge

Community support is vital for the program’s continued success. Individuals and organizations can contribute in various ways.

We cannot do this alone. It takes a village, from partners in the work like our friends at EFF, and supporters alike. We encourage anyone to reach out to maritza@cctvcambridge.org to find out how you can support this program or visit cctvcambridge.org/support to support today and invite donations at your convenience.Follow us on social media @cctvcambridge!

Maritza Grooms,Director of Community Relations,CCTV Cambridge