Bringing Digital Equity to Contra Costa County: Year-Round TecHub Pop-Ups at Local Libraries
- Akina Huey
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
At Tech Exchange, we believe that access to technology is a basic human right. Since 1995, we’ve been closing the digital divide for Bay Area residents by ensuring every family has a computer, internet access, and the skills needed to participate in today’s digital world.
Now, we’re proud to deepen our impact by expanding our workforce development and digital equity impact in Contra Costa County by establishing tech support help desks, staffed by Tech Exchange staff alongside paid Contra Costa County interns, in Contra Costa Library branches thanks to a powerful partnership with the Contra Costa County Measure X Innovation Fund called the Library Tech Equity Connection Project.
This includes a year-long initiative where we bring free TecHub pop-up services to three (3) local libraries and expand our digital access within Contra Costa County.
What is the Library Tech Equity Connection Project?
Through this special initiative, Tech Exchange is partnering with three (3) Contra Costa County libraries to provide hands-on digital inclusion TecHub services. These services are free, multilingual, and available to all community members.
The Library Tech Equity Connection Project is part of Tech Exchange’s Serve2STEM program - an innovative workforce development and digital equity initiative that offers career training and pathways for underserved youth across the Bay Area.
Through this program, Tech Exchange places local high school and college students - typically between the ages of 16-26, in paid technology internships, where they receive hands-on experience in IT support, digital literacy instruction, and community engagement. These interns are at the frontlines of our TecHub pop-ups, helping to staff tech help desks and provide direct services to residents at library branches in San Pablo, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek.
Our TecHub pop-ups bring the heart of Tech Exchange’s mission - equitable access to technology, training, and opportunity directly into the communities that need it most.
Where and When You Can Find Us
Weekly TecHub Pop-Up Locations:
San Pablo Library - Tuesday and Wednesday | 10am to 5pm.
Address: 13751 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
Pittsburg Library- Tuesday and Thursday | 10 am to 5 pm.
Address: 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565
Walnut Creek Library - Tuesday and Thursday | 10 am to 5 pm.
Address: 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
At each library pop-up, interns work alongside experienced Tech Exchange staff to:
Access one-on-one tech support
Learn essential digital skills
Receive help signing up for affordable internet
Receive multicultural sensitive and bilingual support
These pop-ups will continue throughout the year, providing consistent, reliable support for Contra Costa County residents.
About the Innovation Fund & Our Contra Costa County Partnership
The Contra Costa County Innovation Fund is a powerful initiative designed to seed and scale bold ideas that promote equity, inclusion, and long-term impact across the region. Tech Exchange was honored to receive a grant from the Innovation Fund to expand our digital inclusion services countywide.
This transformative support allowed us to:
Launch our Library Tech Equity Connection Project and offer TecHub pop-up services at libraries within the county
Train and place paid tech interns from under-served local high schools and colleges
Provide free digital literacy training and support to 100+ trainees
Build the foundation for ongoing tech support services at public libraries
This partnership represents a shared vision for a digitally connected and economically thriving Contra Costa County. Together with county leaders, libraries, and community-based organizations, we are addressing immediate digital access needs while building long-term workforce and infrastructure solutions.
Join Us in Bridging the Divide
Whether you’re looking to get connected or want to help others do the same, there’s a place for you in this movement. Stop by one of our library pop-ups or get involved by:
We extend our sincere thanks to Contra Costa County and the Innovation Fund for their visionary support and investment in digital equity. Their commitment to empowering underserved communities and building inclusive infrastructure has made this initiative possible.
We’re proud to be working alongside county leaders, libraries, and community partners to create a more connected, equitable Contra Costa - and we look forward to continuing this vital work together.
With Gratitude,
The Tech Exchange Team
