Community organizations like yours play an essential role in connecting residents to resources that improve quality of life. You are uniquely positioned to help bridge the digital divide through trusted relationships with families, seniors, job seekers, and underserved communities.

About this Toolkit

This toolkit provides everything you need to promote Digital Navigators: MBEP, including:

Program overview
Referral guidance
Frequently asked questions
Ready-to-use outreach materials
Sample newsletter and social media content

Our Goal

Together, we hope to:

Increase digital skills
Expand internet adoption
Connect residents to essential online services
Reduce barriers to economic opportunity

About Digital Navigators

Program Overview

Digital Navigators are trained staff who provide one-on-one support to help community members build digital skills, access technology, and connect to affordable internet service.

The Digital Navigators: MBEP program is a free initiative providing personalized, bilingual support to help residents build digital skills and secure affordable internet access.

Free Digital Literacy Classes: Bilingual (English/Spanish) instruction offered both in-person and virtually.
Affordable Internet Assistance: Provide resources on checking eligibility and enrolling in an affordable internet plan or discount program
Individualized Technical Support: Ongoing assistance for participants during and after their classes.

Our mission is to ensure every resident has the skills, tools, and support needed to participate in today’s digital world.

Program Goals

During this project, MBEP will:

Train at least 275 residents per county, over a 24-month period
Increase digital confidence
Help at least 30 households connect to affordable home internet
Connect residents to online resources

Class Details & Curriculum

Our program utilizes the statewide Parent University Consortium curriculum, which is culturally and linguistically tailored for our community.

Course Structure: 12 total hours of instruction, typically delivered as six 2-hour sessions twice a week for three weeks.
Skill Levels: Includes Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tracks.
Examples of Topics: Essential communications (email), navigating school portals, workforce skills (resumes, job searching), and digital health and wellness.
In-Person Launch: In-person classes are scheduled to launch in mid-July. Virtual classes are ongoing.

Why Digital Skills Matter

Technology affects nearly every aspect of everyday life

Today, digital skills are essential for nearly every aspect of everyday life. Residents without digital skills often face barriers to employment, healthcare, education, public benefits, and social connection. Digital literacy is a foundational skill for participating in today’s economy and society.

Why This Matters for Your Clients

People you already serve may struggle with:
Creating an email account
Completing online job applications
Using Zoom for online interviews and appointments
Navigating MyChart and government service web portals
Completing training and professional development online
Using technology to stay connected with loved ones
Comparing affordable internet plans

Who Should Be Referred?

Who is This Program For?

Digital Navigators: MBEP is open to all residents age 18 and older. Whether someone is just learning how to use a computer or wants to strengthen more advanced digital skills, our classes are designed to meet participants where they are.

We encourage partners to refer anyone who wants to become more confident using technology for work, school, healthcare, or everyday life. MBEP will work directly with each participant to determine the most appropriate class level, answer questions, and provide enrollment information.

Residents Who May Benefit Most

Consider referring individuals who:

Older Adults (Seniors)

Want to stay connected with family and friends
Need help using computers or email
Want to access telehealth or online medical records
Need assistance avoiding online scams and fraud

Parents & Caregivers

Support children using school portals or online homework
Communicate with teachers through email or apps
Access educational resources at home

Job Seekers & Workers

Need help creating resumes
Complete online job applications
Attend virtual interviews
Want to strengthen workplace technology skills
Are interested in learning AI or other emerging technologies

English Learners & Spanish Speakers

Prefer bilingual instruction
Need support navigating online services in English
Want culturally relevant instruction

Rural Residents

Have limited access to technology training
Need help using online services that reduce travel
Want to maximize the value of their home internet connection

Individuals with Limited Digital Skills

Have never owned or regularly use a computer
Feel intimidated by technology
Need help using email, the internet, or online forms
Want to build confidence in a supportive environment

Covered Populations

The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Adoption Account prioritizes serving populations that have historically faced barriers to digital access.

These include:
Low-income households
Older adults (60+)
Individuals belonging to racial or ethnic minority groups
English learners
Rural residents
Veterans
Individuals with disabilities
Other historically underserved populations

While our program is open to everyone, these communities often experience the greatest challenges in accessing affordable internet, developing digital skills, and using technology confidently.

By connecting these residents to training and support, we can help reduce barriers to employment, education, healthcare, and civic participation while ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to participate in today’s increasingly digital world.

How the Program Works

Step 1 – Register for Classes

Residents complete a short online Interest Form for our upcoming in-person classes, or register directly for virtual classes.

They can:

Scan a QR code
Visit our website
Call our team directly

Step 2 – We Contact Participants

Our team reaches out when new classes become available.

Participants receive:

Class schedule
Location
Enrollment information
Reminder emails/text messages

Step 3 – Attend Classes

Classes are:

Free
Bilingual (English & Spanish, with additional languages available upon request)
Two-hour sessions
Twice per week
Three-week series (12 total instructional hours)

Step 4 – Continue Receiving Support

Participants can receive:

Technical assistance
Affordable internet information
Broadband adoption support
Referrals to additional digital resources

Participants who complete the entire course become eligible for a Chromebook raffle (subject to availability).

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN LEARN

Participants can enroll in courses based on their interests, experience level, and personal goals. Whether someone is learning to use a computer for the first time or exploring emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, there is a course designed to meet them where they are.

Participants Leave With Skills They Can Use Every Day

Find employment
Apply for jobs online
Build a resume
Access healthcare
Use online banking safely
Connect with schools
Access government services
Stay connected with family
Learn AI and emerging technology
Start or grow a business

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Sharing This Program Is Easy

Community organizations like yours are among the most trusted sources of information for local residents. A recommendation from your staff, a flyer in your lobby, or mention in your newsletter can introduce someone to a resource they may never have found on their own.

You don’t need to be a technology expert to help close the digital divide. MBEP manages registration, instruction, reminders, and participant support. We simply ask for your help sharing this free opportunity with the residents you already serve.

Display a Flyer
Place a flyer in your lobby, waiting room, classroom, community board, or other public space where residents will see it.

Share with Your Network
Include the flyer or registration link in your newsletter, email updates, website, or social media. A quick mention helps reach residents who may not otherwise hear about the program.

Mention it in Conversation
If someone mentions they’re struggling with technology, looking for work, supporting a child in school, or trying to access online services, let them know these free classes are available.

Encourage Interested Residents to Sign Up
Encourage residents to complete the virtual Interest Form (for upcoming in-person classes) or register directly for ongoing virtual classes..

PARTNER RESOURCES

Bridging the Digital Divide
on the Central Coast