$500,000 NYS Grant Expanding Technology Assistance Across Nine Counties

The Westchester Library System (WLS) has been awarded $500,000 through Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Office to expand the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley (DNHV) program, bringing free technology assistance to more residents throughout nine counties in the Hudson Valley Region. The project, known as Hudson Valley Connected, will recruit, train, and deploy Digital Navigators, or tech help, in libraries and organizations throughout nine counties. The program will also offer digital literacy workshops and information sessions, expand outreach efforts, and connect individuals with free and reduced-cost technology through their local libraries and community-based organizations.

As the project’s lead financial partner and grant administrator, WLS will collaborate with Southeastern New York Library Resources Council (Southeastern), which leads the DNHV initiative, along with the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) and Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), allowing the initiative to reach public libraries and communities across Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.

Through participating libraries and community organizations, Digital Navigators provide free, personalized technology assistance to those in need. Services include basic computer skills and assistance searching for affordable internet service, applying for a job online, accessing telehealth, navigating government websites or troubleshooting a device. Trained Digital Navigators provide one-on-one guidance that helps individuals build confidence and maintain independence using technology.

“The Westchester Library System is honored to steward this important investment in digital equity,” said Terry Kirchner, executive director of WLS. “This project exemplifies the power of regional collaboration, and by working alongside our partner library systems, we can expand Digital Navigator services, strengthen digital literacy across the Hudson Valley and ensure libraries continue to thrive.”

Since launching in 2022, the DNHV initiative, spearheaded by Southeastern, has trained more than 178 Digital Navigators serving 94 public libraries and nonprofit organizations throughout the Hudson Valley. Together, they have provided more than 2,000 one-on-one technology assistance sessions, helping residents access affordable internet, use digital devices, complete online job applications, connect to healthcare services, navigate government resources and stay safe online.

"Libraries have always been trusted places for learning, and today that includes helping people navigate an ever-evolving digital world," said Carolyn Bennett Glauda of Southeastern and the Digital Navigator Ambassador for Hudson Valley Connected. "Whether someone needs help applying for a job, accessing healthcare online, or simply learning how to use the settings on a device that doesn’t come with a manual, our Digital Navigators provide patient, personalized guidance. This funding will allow us to expand those services so even more Hudson Valley residents can access the technology skills and support they need to succeed."

Building on New York State’s continued investment as one of the only in the nation to expand digital equity following the loss of comparable federal funding, the expansion of the DNHV service aims to support low-income households and older adults in overcoming key barriers identified in the New York State Digital Equity Plan:

·Assisting the 29% of New Yorkers who need professional device support because they cannot fix a device or do not have family or friends to help them.

·Supporting New Yorkers with low confidence in digital literacy, including 23% of older adults and 20% of low-income households.

·Supporting the 87% of New Yorkers who are concerned about online safety.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Access to technology is essential, but true digital equity also means ensuring New Yorkers have the skills and support to use it confidently. Through this $500,000 ConnectALL investment, trusted libraries and community organizations will help more Hudson Valley residents access vital services, pursue employment opportunities and fully participate in today’s digital economy.”

As the lead financial partner, WLS is also coordinating the local investments needed to support the project alongside the ConnectALL grant, working with regional philanthropic partners to help ensure Hudson Valley Connected reaches all communities throughout the region.

To learn more about the Digital Navigator program or find a library near you offering these services, visit https://hvconnected.org/.