Strengthening Pathways to Digital Access

On June 3rd, The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) hosted The Foundation of EdTech Is Connection: Ensuring Universal Access to the Internet as part of GLR Learning Tuesdays. GLR Learning Tuesdays affirms CGLR's commitment to getting better at getting better by learning with and from each other. These webinars serve as a portal to the best science, ideas, and programs.

At this webinar, I had the pleasure of representing The Patterson Foundation's (TPF) Digital Access for All team (DA4A) alongside panelists Kristen Corra, J.D., Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition; Amina Fazlullah, Common Sense Media; Kiarra Louis, The Patterson Foundation; Bree MacPhee Lyon, M.S., EducationSuperHighway; and Licia Villalta, MPA, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, moderated by Ji Soo Song, SETDA.

Both presenters and attendees agreed that ongoing internet access for students is critical to their academic success. In the wake of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ending, conversations are intensifying on how to bridge the digital divide and keep children connected.

I'd like to mention just a few highlights from what I was able to share regarding DA4A and The Gap.

1. The How: TPF began exploring the digital divide during the pandemic after our Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) team observed that many families struggled to make the fast shift to online learning—and many parents faced similar challenges working remotely. These early insights led TPF to launch DA4A in June 2025 to better understand the digital divide and identify those working to expand access.
   
   
2. The Why: Our ability to use digital tools is essential to our quality of life and full participation in society. Digital access opens doors to education, healthcare, jobs, vital resources, and meaningful connections. Expanding access—especially for asset-limited families—helps ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
   
   
3. The Data: Data from 2019 and 2020 confirmed that our four-county region faces barriers to digital equity—mainly around affordability, availability, and awareness. The pandemic only widened this gap. While 2023 data shows a 1–4% improvement in these areas, we recognize that even small progress is meaningful—and that digital access should be universal.
   
   
   
   
4. The More Than Money Approach to Philanthropy in Action: Understanding that a funder can make an impact beyond dollars, TPF focused on increasing visibility and adoption of affordable and emerging digital resources in our region. Through The Gap, TPF connects asset-limited families and individuals with low-cost internet, devices, and skill-building opportunities. Our Gap Engagers—easily spotted in bright green polos—attend community events to share information about local and national resources and connect people with digital navigation support to help them make the most of what's available.
   
   
5. The Suncoast Digital Navigator Network: While digital navigation isn’t a new concept nationally, it was new to our Suncoast region. In 2021, TPF launched the Digital Navigator Program as part of the DA4A initiative. Since then, it has made a measurable impact:

• • Total nonprofit organizations that volunteered for the program: 8
  • Total Digital Navigators cross-trained from local nonprofits: 35
  • Total number of individuals who interacted with a Digital Navigator: 2,597

How can you stay engaged with DA4A’s work?

• Sign up for DA4A’s monthly newsletter here.
• Join the DA4A LinkedIn Group here to help build a more connected and collaborative community and expand the knowledge and skills of those advancing digital inclusion.