 Digital Navigator Nook
SB22-140 Digital Navigator Pilot Program Concludes June 2025
The statewide Digital Navigator Pilot Program, launched in 2023 under Colorado SB22-140, will conclude on June 30, 2025. Thus far, digital navigators have provided over 8,500 appointments at over 70 partner locations in 13 counties, with Serve Colorado grantees—The Learning Source and Loveland Public Library—operating 85% of the program’s host sites. These organizations, along with their partners, have played a crucial role in providing digital navigation services.
Find host site locations here, under “Digital Navigator Program” → “How can I find a digital navigator near me?”
Continued Services through AmeriCorps
While the AmeriCorps programs launched several months after the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) began implementation, Serve Colorado grantees will continue offering services beyond the pilot program’s end. This ensures that AmeriCorps members who recently started their terms can complete them. These organizations are also seeking funding to sustain services beyond the end of the pilot program.
Expanding Digital Navigation Services
After selecting Serve Colorado grantees, CDLE used the remaining SB 22-140 funds to hire temporary, full-time digital navigators (DNs). Services launched at 11 locations in May 2024 with five digital navigators supporting sites managed by Denver Housing Authority, Emily Griffith Technical College, Hope Communities, and the Pueblo Workforce Center.
In July and August 2024, CDLE expanded services into rural Colorado, hiring three additional DNs to serve Alamosa, Costilla, La Plata, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. These three DNs—the final CDLE employees offering digital navigation services—will complete their work in April and May 2025. These three rural DNs have provided nearly 600 digital navigation appointments, making a tangible impact in their communities. Their efforts have been instrumental in closing the digital divide, particularly in rural areas.
Continuing the Digital Access Mission
Looking ahead, there are plans for Digital Access Coalitions under the Colorado Digital Access Plan to emerge across the state. These coalitions can build on the foundation laid by the SB 22-140 pilot program, ensuring continued progress in digital inclusion for all Coloradans.
March Community of Practice Rescheduled for April
Because several organizations that host digital navigators in the pilot program will be closed for spring break the week of March 24, the Colorado Navigator Community of Practice (CoP) has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 2.
The topic is The Techy Aspects of Being a Digital Navigator: A discussion of preparation needed prior to laptop distribution and Android and iOS phone basics. Erik Rock, Technology Manager at Loveland Public Library will share some lessons learned related to this month’s CoP topic.
|
