Digital inclusion services

We work to increase computer and internet access and to help residents grow their digital skills and online safety knowledge. This is part of our commitment to reducing disparities.

Get started with a digital navigator

If you live in Hennepin County and are within income limits, you are likely eligible for support. Current household income limit is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (PDF, 1 MB).

Ask a county case worker or library staff member to submit a Technology Needs Assessment to make a referral to the county's digital navigation team. A digital navigator will contact you to discuss your needs and the support options, whether that is access to technology, internet, and/or digital skills training.

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Digital skills and online safety

Digital navigators help you to become more comfortable with technology or learn online safety best practices.

Connect with a community partner and request their digital navigation services or attend one of their training activities.

Current digital navigation providers

Asian Media Access

COPAL

Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC)

Lyndale Neighborhood Association

Minnesota International Chinese School

Roots Wellness Center

Senior Community Services

Additional digital skills resources

Dress for Success Twin Cities

Hennepin County Library

Hennepin Internet Safety - Think Twice, Click Once Campaign

Literacy Minnesota

Minnesota Tech for Success

Neighborhood HealthSource

New Vision Foundation

Project for Pride in Living

Project NANDI

Tech Connects program by Summit Academy

Urban League

Computers and other devices

Computers

These organizations provide discounted computers to qualifying individuals. Contact them for specific eligibility, available devices, and store hours.

Free Geek Twin Cities

PCs for People

Minnesota Tech for Success

Repowered

Adaptive devices

Minnesota STAR Program - assistive devices for residents with disabilities to borrow or purchase.

Phones

Open Access Connections - free Lifeline phones and low-cost smartphones and free voicemail services for qualifying individuals.

Minnesota Telephone Assistance Plan - offers monthly discounts on landline telephone, cell phone, or broadband internet service.

Broadband projects

Broadband and Digital Inclusion invests in infrastructure projects to resolve broadband gaps in underserved communities, areas with limited providers, and low-income neighborhoods with barriers to affordable broadband.

In this work we:

Lead broadband adoption strategies by supporting available, affordable connectivity choices.
Leverage county-owned public infrastructure for community benefit.

Specific broadband projects that have been approved for funding are:

Minneapolis wireless internet service pilot
Broadband grants to the cities of Minnetrista, St Louis Park, Richfield, Eden Prairie, Independence, Golden Valley, and Dayton
Building-wide wireless internet for single room occupancy residential facilities and apartments that provide affordable housing

Digital equity plan

Broadband and Digital Inclusion is working on a multi-year Digital Equity Plan. A draft will be made available for public review in early 2024. Subscribe to receive email updates at the bottom of the page.

Our work is also part of the state's Digital Opportunity Plan. The draft plan has been submitted to the National Telecommunication Information Administration (NTIA) for review. The draft and updates on the plan are on their Digital Opportunity webpage.

Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development is also working on plans for how the state will use their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD) funds.

Impact of our work

Broadband and Digital Inclusion builds and promotes safe access to technology so that all residents of Hennepin County are empowered to thrive in the digital world.

We envision a county where every resident—regardless of income, background or location—can easily and safely use modern technology to help realize their life goals.

Partnerships

Create and promote public-private partnerships to ensure universal access.
Coordinate with federal, state, and local government partners and community organizations.

Results

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."

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