Digital Navigator Program

The Digital Navigator Program is a project of the Department of Commerce’s Washington State Broadband Office and our community partners: Equity in Education Coalition, Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, Community Health Network of Washington, and the Seattle Housing Authority.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines Digital Navigators as “trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices.” Digital Navigators can help you navigate the internet, sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (federal low-income internet assistance), connect with government and community services, acquire digital literacy skills, and more. Digital Navigators are available in all 39 counties to provide Washington State residents with free digital navigation, free digital literacy skills training, and connected device acquisition assistance in a culturally competent manner. Connected device acquisition assistance is only available to residents or households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

If you are interested in assistance from the Digital Navigator program, please contact one of the organizations in your area below:

Goodwill: Serving residents in all 39 counties.

  • Website: Goodwill Connect http://goodwillconnect.com/
  • Contact: 844-GWCONNECT (844-492-6663)
  • Services provided: free digital navigation; free digital literacy skills training; connected device acquisition assistance for residents or households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
    • Services provided in multiple languages

Equity in Education Coalition (TechConnect): Serving residents in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pend Orielle, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, and Yakima counties.

  • Website: TechConnect https://techconnectwa.org/
  • Contact: 800-216-1132 | connect-wa.org | techconnectwa@eec-wa.org | Support Hours: 9-5 PST
  • Services provided: free digital navigation; free digital literacy skills training; affordable internet access assistance and connected device acquisition assistance for residents or households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
    • Services provided in multiple language

Community Health Network of Washington: Serving Community Health Network patients in Yakima County via in-person and remote delivery; serving Community Health Network patients in all 39 counties remotely.

  • Website: Link to Care WA https://www.linktocarewa.org
  • Contact: 866-757-1832
  • Services provided: free digital navigation; free digital literacy skills training; affordable internet access assistance and connected device acquisition assistance for residents or households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Seattle Housing Authority: serving Seattle Housing Authority residents in Seattle.

Open Digital Navigator Grants

The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting proposals from firms interested in providing Digital Navigator services to their communities. Digital Navigators provide technical assistance and expertise in connectivity, internet enabled devices, and the digital skills to use them. Digital Navigator services, devices, and subscriptions must involve one-on-one culturally literate assistance for people with limited access to services including individuals seeking work, families supporting students, English language learners, people experiencing poverty, Tribal members, senior citizens, and Medicaid recipients.

Desired deliverables include, but will not be limited to:

  • Digital Navigator hotline that community members can call during standard business hours for assistance or to schedule an appointment with a Digital Navigator;
  • Ongoing digital literacy skills training, including technical skills and application support across a broad spectrum of devices, platforms, and applications;
  • Assisting individuals and households with enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The WSBO anticipates awarding grants ranging between $200,000 and $500,000 per proposal.

Proposals are due August 18, 2022 at 5:00 PM.

Download the 2022 Digital Navigator RFP (PDF).

Q&A Document

For additional questions and information, contact Devin Gombosky, Devin.Gombosky@Commerce.wa.gov.