Connecting Hennepin - Eliminating the Digital Divide

Digital navigators help residents complete tasks online and develop digital life skills to become more self-sufficient, with a particular focus on online safety.

If you would like to become more comfortable with technology or learn online safety best practices, there are two ways to get started:

• Connect with a community partner and request their digital navigation services or attend one of their training activities. Scroll to the Community Partnerships section on this page for more information.
• Visit a local Hennepin County library and ask the staff to fill out a Technology Needs Assessment with you.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a discount that helps households with lower incomes pay for internet services. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

Community organizations can download Affordable Connectivity Program promotional flyers for handout or display:

• Lower your internet costs - English (set of six) (PDF)
• Txo koj qhov nqe internet kom qis - Hmong (PDF)
• Waxaa laga yaabaa in aad u qalantid - Somali (PDF)
• Baje el costo de su internet - Spanish (PDF)

If you live in Hennepin County, cannot afford your internet costs or a computer, and your household income is less than $65,000/year, you are likely eligible for our technology support services.

How to request support

If you have a county case worker, talk to them about your technology needs. They can help you request assistance.

You can also visit your local Hennepin County Library and ask a staff member to fill out a Technology Needs Assessment with you.

A digital navigator will follow up with to discuss your needs and what options are available.

Hotspot lending

Through a partnership with Hennepin County Library, hotspots are available to patrons who do not have home internet. The hotspot has unlimited data and can be loaned out for three months.

Visit your local Hennepin County Library and ask the staff to fill out a Technology Needs Assessment with you. If you are eligible, an appointment will be made for you to pick up the hotspot.

Partnerships

Hennepin County partners with cities and internet service providers to meet the needs of our local communities.

Specific broadband projects that have been approved for funding are:

• Minneapolis wireless internet service pilot
• Minnetrista fiber expansion

We are currently partnering with the following organizations to provide community-based digital navigation and training services.

Anyone living in Hennepin County can contact them to request assistance using technology.

Digital navigation services

• COPAL — call 612-249-8736
• Minnesota Care Partner
  • Digital Navigation Services Referral or call 612-289-5656
• Senior Community Services
  • Request a technology support through the Home program by phone at 952-746-4046 or email techsupport@seniorcommunity.org.
• Summit Academy Tech Connects program
  • Check Northside STEM Events for open labs and tech classes
• Urban League
  • Tech Lab Office Hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am - 4pm
  • Classes in basic digital literacy skills as well as Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications. To enroll, email lporter@ultcmn.org
• Dress for Success Twin Cities
• Lyndale Neighborhood Association
• Minnesota International Chinese School
  • Request computer support at your home
  • Open Lab/Drop-in Assistance – Saturdays, 9-2pm at Southview Middle School in Edina throughout the school year
• Neighborhood HealthSource
• New Vision Foundation - Call 651-340-9742 or email training@nu-vis.org
• Technologist Computers
  • Submit a Technology Needs Request Form for at-home and virtual technology support and/or requests for adaptive technology
• Urban Strategies – Heritage Park
  • Drop-in Support: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 5-7pm
  • In-person appointments available by request during office hours, Mon-Thurs from 10-6pm. Assistance provided in English, Somali, or Oromo. Call 612-930-3633 or email Maggie.brown@urbanstrategiesinc.org to schedule an appointment

Low-cost computers

We continue to work with PCs for People to provide low-cost devices to residents with lower incomes.

If you have a Hennepin County provided computer and need help with technical issues or troubleshooting, contact PCs for People at 651-354-2552 or email hcsupport@pcsforpeople.org.

About Connecting Hennepin

It is critical for our clients and residents to have access to computers and reliable broadband connectivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the need for digital access in order to participate in distance learning, engage in county services, and access virtual therapy and telehealth appointments.

Join the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development and Hennepin County’s Office of Broadband and Digital Inclusion for a Digital Opportunity listening session on Thursday, September 21st at North Regional Library in North Minneapolis from 1-3pm. Register here.

Bring your thoughts about access to the internet, access to devices, digital skills, and Minnesota’s digital future.

If you cannot attend this in person meeting, there are also two virtual listening sessions and the ability to  comment online or by mail.

Read the draft of the Minnesota Digital Opportunity plan:

• Review the plan handout
• Read a brief summary of the plan
• Read the full draft

More information is available at the Digital Opportunity webpage.

Stay up to date by signing up for the Connecting Hennepin email newsletter in the sign-up box at the bottom of this page.

The latest impact data is available through the pandemic response reporting. 

Testimonials

Having personal access to technology provides stability, security and makes it easier to navigate modern life.

• "Access to technology is life changing.”
• “My three girls don’t share one laptop anymore.”
• “In six weeks, we had someone get a job, and a dozen connections to therapists and primary care.”
• “This will help my mother with her medical appointments.