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Tools and Resources for Equitable Digital Access
We want to help you find resources to help you connect and save. Explore our directory of resources for affordable internet options, digital skills training, and more. Let us know how well they work for you by emailing us at digital.equity@boston.gov
Want to test your digital literacy? Visit the Northstar Digital Literacy website.
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Tools and Resources
Tools and Resources| Organization Name and Location | Description | Eligibility Requirements | Contact information |
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| Xfinity - Internet Essentials | Internet Essentials has connected more than 10 million people to all that the internet has to offer. They partner with local communities to provide low-cost internet service along with discounted laptops and free training resources. They offer plans from $9.95/mo (Internet Essentials) to $29.95/mo (Internet Essentials Plus) |
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| Verizon Forward | Eligible Fios customers can save with Verizon Forward and Lifeline discounts and get home internet for as low as $20/mo with Verizon Forward. |
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| T-Mobile - Project 10Million | Project 10Million offers free 100GBs/year of data, free mobile hotspots, and access to low-cost laptops and tablets, to students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - one per household. Parents will need to provide proof of NSLP eligibility for free or reduced-price meals upon enrollment. |
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| USAC - Lifeline | Lifeline is a federal program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands). A consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or other federal programs. |
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800-234-9473 (press 1 for English; press 2 for Spanish) LifelineSupport@usac.org |
| RCN - Internet First | The Internet First program is affordable Internet designed to help families and students in low-income households to have reliable access to the Internet. It will enable them to home school, do homework, access educational resources and more. The Internet First program is open to eligible participants. |
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| Human I-T - Low Cost Internet | The Human-I-T Gold Membership is a free membership that takes just minutes to apply for and, if you’re accepted, automatically qualifies you to enjoy our low-cost internet plans below. Gold Members get access to high-speed internet with Human-I-T for less than $30 per month after purchasing a Franklin T10 mobile hotspot with unlimited LTE connectivity for up to 10 devices from their online store. |
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| Access From AT&T | Access from AT&T provides low-cost internet service for eligible households. This program includes: Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi, No annual contract, No deposit, Internet service for $30/mo. based on the maximum speed available at your address, up to 100Mbps. |
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| Organization Name and Location | Description | Covered Populations | Contact information |
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| Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472 |
Perkins School for the Blind is the Massachusetts Contact for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also known as iCanConnect, provides equipment needed to make telecommunications, advanced communications, and the Internet accessible to low-income individuals who have both significant vision loss and significant hearing loss. | People with Disabilities. Income Restrictions | 617-972-7712 angelique.landry@perkins.org |
| Compudopt | Compudopt also has a Computer Giveaway Program for residents of eligible cities.
Applicants can register to receive a free computer using the computer giveaway registration link. Names will be chosen randomly based on the available inventory three days prior to distribution dates. To qualify, you must not have access to a working computer at home, and you must have a child in pre-K-12 education (up to age 26). Devices provided by the school should not be counted as they are not owned by the family. |
Youth-Oriented, Restrictions Apply. |
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| Tek Collaborative 14 Cedar Street, Amesbury, MA 01913 |
TEK Collaborative is a small growing organization located in Amesbury, Massachusetts. At this time they are not able to ship devices to communities outside of their local area. If you are not able to pick up the device at their office or do not reside within driving distance of their office, the request cannot be fulfilled. Please continue to check their webpage for updates on their ability to ship devices. | Restrictions Apply | 978-378-4660 info@tekcollaborative.org |
| Computers For People Inc. | Computer4People provides refurbished computers to individuals and organizations in under-served communities at no cost! You can easily apply online. | Restrictions Apply. |
| Organization Name | Description | Covered Populations | Contact information |
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Boston Public Library - Computer and Technology Classes Boston (Multiple addresses) |
The Central Library: The Community Learning Center Classroom is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Boylston Street Building of the Central Library and is open during classes and workshops held throughout the week. Branch Libraries: Classes are held throughout locations of the Boston Public Library. You can find classes at the branches by accessing the Online Calendar. |
Open to All | |
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The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) 20 Eustis Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 |
The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) empowers organizations and individuals to effectively access and use technology. They have a Technology Literacy Program for adult learner. Contact them for more info. | Open to All | |
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Mystic Valley Elder Services (Technology Access Program) 300 Commercial Street #19, Malden, MA 02148 |
Technology Access Program (TAP) volunteers help bridge the tech divide for older adults and people with disabilities. They enable participants to stay connected with loved ones, manage finances online, communicate with healthcare providers, apply for services, and more. In addition, TAP promotes affordability and accessibility among residents from diverse backgrounds and supports their ability to live independently in the community. | Senior-Oriented, People with Disabilities |
781-324-7705 / TTY; 781-321-8880 |
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LBFE Boston | Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly 2 Park Plaza, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02116 |
LFBE's Digital Dividends are classes of 10-15 adults in public/affordable senior housing are given laptops and internet connectivity free of charge along with weekly training provided by LBFE staff and college students from our partner organizations. Participants learn basic to advanced tech skills based on their current knowledge, including Zoom, Google, Spotify, Gmail, and more. LBFE Boston offers curricula in English, Chinese, and Spanish. |
Senior-Oriented | 617-524-8882 |
| The Riant Immigrant Center | The Rian Immigrant Center's Basic Skills Computer Course is available to anyone that is interested in learning computer skills. They offer computer courses for adults with little or no experience with computers. Learners must attend at least 15 hours of class time and complete a final project. | Open to All | |
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Mujeras Unidad Avanzando - Technology Classes 54 Clayton Street, Dorchester, MA 02122 |
MUA offer technology classes, advanced Microsoft Office Training, and basic digital literacy course. Contact them for more info. | Women-Oriented | |
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Technology Center - Lena Park Community Development 150 American Legion Highway, Boston, MA 02124 |
Lena Park's Technology Center offers members the opportunity to reach out to family and friends through the internet; learn basic computing skills, and a course to advance in the workplace. Lena Park is a center for youth and adults interested in pursuing their interests in science, technology, engineering, digital arts, and mathematics. | Open to All,Youth-Oriented | 617-533-8133 |
| Emergent Works - 1:1 Technical Mentorship Program | A virtual mentorship program providing free access to three learning tracks of technical education (Digital Literacy, Digital Development, UI/UX Design), resources, a safe community, and employment placement opportunities to formerly incarcerated and those impacted by the criminal legal system. | Justice-Impacted Individuals | |
| GBNCC’s Workforce Readiness program helps individuals break down the barriers of employment faced by immigrants and help provide an opportunity to employment. The program builds on an existing track record of individual language and computer education services for adult immigrants which is more efficient and integrated and addresses all the barriers to employment and not just ESOL. |
Immigrant-Oriented | ||
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Access Technology Centers - Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired |
MABVI’s Access Technology Training Centers help blind or visually impaired people learn to use technology that helps them do what they want. Access technology includes apps and devices that help individuals with disabilities complete tasks and increase independence. They facilitate access to assistive technology. Contact Jerry Felix for more information on how to join the virtual technology training. | People with Disabilities | |
| Senior Planet offers virtual tech workshops. Senior Planet online classes are taught over Zoom. Participants must have a wi-fi-enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, as well as an internet connection that allows participation using Zoom. Check their website for upcoming virtual events. |
(888) 713-3495 |
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| Cyber Seniors offers tech-training and support to senior citizens, enabling them to set up online accounts, use search engines, video conferencing, and download web and mobile applications. The program also provides access to online health resources and benefits information. Services include free telephone tech-support in English, Spanish, and French, one-on-one tech-support, daily technology webinars, participation in online social programs, and access to on-demand tech-training resources and tutorials. |
Senior-Oriented |
| Organization Name and Location | Description | Covered Populations | Contact information |
| Mystic Valley Elder Services (Technology Access Program) 300 Commercial Street #19, Malden, MA 02148 |
Technology Access Program (TAP) volunteers help bridge the tech divide for older adults and people with disabilities. They enable participants to stay connected with loved ones, manage finances online, communicate with healthcare providers, apply for services, and more. In addition, TAP promotes affordability and accessibility among residents from diverse backgrounds and supports their ability to live independently in the community. | Senior-Oriented, People with Disabilities | 781-324-7705 / TTY 781-321-8880 info@mves.org |
| Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472 |
Perkins School for the Blind is the Massachusetts Contact for the The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also known as iCanConnect, provides equipment needed to make telecommunications, advanced communications, and the Internet accessible to low-income individuals who have both significant vision loss and significant hearing loss. | People with Disabilities,Income Restrictions | 617-972-7712 angelique.landry@perkins.org |
| Access Technology Centers - Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired | MABVI’s Access Technology Training Centers help blind or visually impaired people learn to use technology that helps them do what they want. Access technology includes apps and devices that help individuals with disabilities complete tasks and increase independence. They facilitate access to assistive technology. Contact Jerry Felix for more information on how to join the virtual technology training. |
People with Disabilities | 888-613-2777 jfeliz@mabcommunity.org |
| Cyber Seniors | Cyber Seniors offers tech-training and support to senior citizens, enabling them to set up online accounts, use search engines, video conferencing, and download web and mobile applications. The program also provides access to online health resources and benefits information. Services include free telephone tech-support in English, Spanish, and French, one-on-one tech-support, daily technology webinars, participation in online social programs, and access to on-demand tech-training resources and tutorials. | Senior-Oriented | 844-217-3057 info@cyberseniors.org |
| Drop-In Program - Cambridge Women's Center 46 Pleasant Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 |
Cambridge Women's Center low-threshold Drop-In Program offers a range of free services to meet the varied and individual circumstances of those in our community. They offer computers with 1-1 volunteer support; a resource database with information on health, legal, housing, and other services; a lending library; and common spaces for relaxation and conversation. | Women-Oriented | 617-354-6394 info@cambridgewomenscenter.org |
| Learn To Be - Free Online Tutoring | LearnToBe help kids from underserved communities unlock their potential by connecting them with exceptional tutors online, for free. | Youth-Oriented |
| Organization Name and Location | Description | Covered Populations | Contact information |
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| DOORS - Digital Outreach for Obtaining Resources and Skills | Digital Outreach for Obtaining Resources and Skills (DOORS) is a psychosocial intervention program that teaches digital literacy. DOORS provides participants with the skillset and encouragement to navigate smartphones and benefit from their utility. | Open to All | DOOR contact form |
| Xfinity - Learning Center | The Xfinity Learning Center is where you can find free resources to help you find resources to learn or teach your loved ones to digital skills. |
Open to All, Immigrant-Oriented, Youth-Oriented |
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| Google - Applied Digital Skills | Start learning practical digital skills with Google. Learn job-ready skills from anywhere with video-based lessons, free of charge | Open to All | |
| Microsoft - Digital Literacy | Discover digital literacy courses and resources. Learn how to gain digital literacy to use devices, software, and the Internet to collaborate with others and discover, use, and create information. | Open to All | |
| Learn To Be - Free Online Tutoring | LearnToBe help kids from underserved communities unlock their potential by connecting them with exceptional tutors online, for free. | Youth-Oriented | |
| Compudopt | Compudopt offers a variety of digital skills-building programs for different age groups including Tiny Techs, Early Adopters, STEAM Team, Earn2Learn, IT Pathways, and Digital Skill Building. Additionally, they have a Computer Giveaway Program for residents of eligible cities. |
Youth-Oriented, Open to All |
| Organization Name and Location | Description | Covered Populations | Contact information |
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| Victory Programs 965 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118 |
If you need support getting connected to healthcare, substance use treatment, mental health, social services, domestic violence support, or housing, Victory Programs' Navigation Services can support you with scheduling appointments and getting connected to the resources you are looking for. | Income Restrictions,Women-Oriented,Senior-Oriented | 857-972-6778 or 617-427-4030 development@vpi.org |
| Organization Name and Location | Description | Covered Populations | Contact information |
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| The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) 20 Eustis Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 |
The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) empowers organizations and individuals to effectively access and use cutting-edge technology in the exploding digital economy. As a nonprofit organization, TSN seeks to bridge the digital divide by creating opportunities for people of all ages to access technology and technology education with the goal of preparing them for higher education and futures in today’s 21st century tech-driven workforce. | Open to All | 617-968-3653 info@timothysmithnetwork.org |
| Massachusetts Cybersecurity Mentorship Program | The MassCyberCenter created the Cybersecurity Mentorship Program to provide opportunities for diverse Massachusetts undergraduate college students to learn about careers in cybersecurity and develop their professional networks through direct engagement with industry professionals. The goal of the Cybersecurity Mentorship Program is to encourage diverse undergraduate college students to continue to pursue a career in cybersecurity and promote the diversity of the cybersecurity workforce in Massachusetts. | Student-Oriented | MassCyberCenter@masstech.org |
| Mujeras Unidad Avanzando - Technology Classes 54 Clayton Street, Dorchester, MA 02122 |
MUA offer technology classes, advanced Microsoft Office Training, and basic digital literacy course. Technology Classes Application Form |
Women-Oriented | 617-282-3500 contact@muaboston.org |
| Technology Center - Lena Park Community Development 150 American Legion Highway Boston, MA 02124 |
Lena Park's Technology Center offers members the opportunity to reach out to family and friends through the internet; learn basic computing skills, and a course to advance in the workplace. Lena Park is a center for youth and adults interested in pursuing their interests in science, technology, engineering, digital arts, and mathematics. | Open to All,Youth-Oriented | 617-533-8133 |
| Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts 88 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 |
All of our programs lead towards certifications. Currently, ULEM offers the following: Internet and Computing Core Certification; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification; and ACT National Career Readiness Certification. | Open to All | 617-442-4519 info@ulem.org |
| Emergent Works - 1:1 Technical Mentorship Program | A virtual mentorship program providing free access to three learning tracks of technical education (Digital Literacy, Digital Development, UI/UX Design), resources, a safe community, and employment placement opportunities to formerly incarcerated and those impacted by the criminal legal system. |
Justice-Impacted |
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| Mattapan/Greater Boston Technology Learning Center, Inc. 24 Regis Rd Boston, MA 02126 |
Mattapan Tech ESL and Free Basic Computer Training. Mattapan Tech offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and basic computer training to equip refugees with the language and technology skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. They also offer training and apprenticeship programs such as Computer And Network/Support Specialist, Python, C++, Java and JavaScript, Cisco Certified Network Associate, IT Technician/CompTIA A+, Project Management. They also offer coding classes your kids. Contact them to learn more. |
Open to All,Youth-Oriented | 617-298-0357 |
Who's Involved:
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