Celebrating Digital Inclusion Month at Tech Exchange
- Akina Huey
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Each October, Digital Inclusion Month shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to technology, connectivity, and digital skills needed to thrive. At Tech Exchange, we’re proud to be leading the change toward a more inclusive digital future for everyone in the Bay Area and beyond.
For three decades, Tech Exchange has been committed to ensuring that every family has the resources, skills, and connectivity they need to thrive in today's digital age. This year, we’ve made bold strides forward - expanding programs, deepening community partnerships, and celebrating meaningful milestones that move us closer to a future where digital equity is a reality for all.
Expanding Access: Public Wifi Launch Coming Soon
We’re excited to announce that Tech Exchange will soon launch its Public Wifi Initiative in partnership with Mission Telecom. This initiative will bring free, reliable internet access to high-need neighborhoods where cost remains a barrier to connectivity. The public wifi launch aims to create new opportunities, empower residents with access, and deepen our community impact.
This initiative is the first of Tech Exchange and a major step forward in our efforts to expand digital inclusion and ensure that technology is accessible for our community.
A New Space for Connection: TecHub Grand Opening October 29th
Later this month on October 29th, we’ll celebrate the Grand Opening of our new TecHub - a welcoming community space where residents can access free wifi, attend digital skills workshops, receive one-on-one support from our dedicated team, low cost devices, and affordable internet enrollment.
The TecHub is more than just a resource center, it's a bridge to opportunity, designed to empower residents to build confidence and independence in the digital world. We can’t wait to open the doors and empower our community. To learn more about the TecHub Grand Opening click here.
Bringing Access to Neighborhoods Across the Bay Area
This year Tech Exchange also opened three (3) TecHub pop-up locations, bringing digital inclusion to libraries in Contra Costa County. These pop-ups allow us to meet families and community members where they are, offering personalized, immediate support to high need areas.
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 offering trusted spaces for one-on-one support, digital literacy skills training, and affordable internet enrollment.
As Digital Inclusion Month comes to a close, our interns will also graduate from the program - a fitting celebration of the skills, access, and opportunities that digital inclusion makes possible. Their growth and dedication embody the very mission we celebrate this month, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities through technology.
To learn more about the TecHub Pop-ups click here.
Tech Exchange also launched our Internet Enrollment Series where we provide free home internet and mobile hotspot for 6 months at no cost to residents. Since our launch in August, we have served over 350+ households, in the counties of San Francisco, Solano, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Mateo and we are still ongoing - preparing to serve even more families in the Bay Area. To learn more about the Internet Enrollment Series, please click here.
Empowering Through Education: Digital Literacy For All
Tech Exchange realizes that access alone isn't enough - that’s why our ongoing Digital Literacy classes remain at the heart of our mission. These classes help participants learn the basics of computer literacy and online safety. Each class represents another step towards closing the digital divide. To learn more about Digital Literacy Classes or to Sign Up please click here.
A Milestone Year: Celebrating 30 Years
This October, Tech Exchange had the opportunity to celebrate 30 years of impact with our 30th Year Anniversary Celebration. It was not only a moment of reflection and honoring the past three decades but a testament of community power and generosity. Thanks to our incredible supporters, we met our $25,000 Fundraising Goal. Those funds are already being put to work - expanding our reach, equipping more families with devices, and enhancing our digital literacy programs. To learn more about the 30th Year Anniversary Celebration, please click here.
Join the Movement for Digital Equity
Digital inclusion takes us all - and you can make a difference today.
Donate: Help us Fund our programs and expand access to devices, internet, and digital learning. To donate please click here.
Volunteer: Share your skills and explore our volunteer opportunities. To sign up for volunteering, please click here.
Partner: Collaborate with us to develop lasting digital inclusion solutions. Get involved at community@techexchange.org
Spread Awareness: Follow Tech Exchange @TechXorg and share our mission.
Together, we can build a future where every individual has the tools and confidence to thrive in today’s digital world.
