Bridging the Digital Divide: How Loveland Digital Navigators Empower Their Community

In today’s world, digital literacy skills and access to the internet are no longer luxuries – they are necessities. But for many people, a lack of access to technology and skill gaps are still obstacles to personal and professional growth. That’s where the Loveland Digital Navigators Program comes in.

Digital Navigators are trusted local experts trained to help people get online, use devices and learn digital skills. Now in its second year, the Digital Navigators Program at the Loveland Public Library is helping to close the digital divide one person at a time. Supported by the Friends of the Loveland Public Library Foundation and Comcast NBCUniversal grant funding, the program helps hundreds of Loveland community members learn life-changing digital skills every day.

“Technology can be overwhelming and not everyone feels comfortable asking family for help. Our goal as Digital Navigators is to make learning approachable and empowering,” explains Digital Navigator Zachary Bermejo.

The Loveland Digital Navigators Program offers one-on-one assistance to individuals of all ages who need support accessing the internet or using their devices. Whether it’s grandparents learning to use their smartphones, teens trying out new technology or veterans working with a new creative tool for the first time, the program provides a safe, judgment-free environment for people to learn at their own pace.

Inspiring Success in Work and Play

The heart of the program’s success is the personalized solutions that Digital Navigators provide, whether people are looking for help using technology, working to advance their career or learning skills for a passion project. On the professional side, Digital Navigators teach learners the skills needed to apply for jobs, like digitizing documents and making online accounts. Digital Navigators also help individuals succeed in their professional roles by teaching them how to use email and various programs across their devices. In one case, the team helped a community member navigate his smartphone to take a screenshot of a bank statement needed to apply for a crucial business loan.

In another example, an older learner, Sue, originally came to see the Digital Navigators because she was struggling to use her laptop, and ended up learning much more than she expected through the program. By learning how to save files, log into accounts and even use Photoshop, Sue gained confidence and tackled new projects that were previously unimaginable to her, including fixing a cherished water-damaged poster using Photoshop and introducing her grandchildren to 3D printing at the library.

The Digital Navigators also fondly recall working with Dick, a veteran and retired police officer, who wanted to try something new and explore digital photography. By working with a Digital Navigator, Dick mastered the use of his camera and photo editing software and even showcased his artwork at a Denver art gallery – a milestone that the Digital Navigators joined him to celebrate.

Making an Impact for Community Members

In just two short years, the Loveland Digital Navigators Program has made a large impact on the local community and has no plans of slowing down. Some major milestones include:

• 1,552 people served
• 2,799 one-on-one appointments conducted
• 579 learners showed measurable growth in digital skills
• 150 devices distributed to people in need with support from Comcast
• 3,137 hours of dedicated service provided

Grant funding supplied by the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation enabled the team to purchase laptops and headphones for learners, support training opportunities for AmeriCorps team members who make up the Digital Navigator team and even expand services to senior facilities and veterans’ organizations.

Looking Ahead

In addition to existing training programs and working with Loveland residents, this year the Loveland Digital Navigator Program hopes to use funds to introduce new initiatives, such as cybersecurity workshops in collaboration with the local police department.As the program continues to grow, the team is hoping to expand its reach by collaborating with local libraries and community centers to set up new outreach locations. By going to where residents are and tailoring support, the program hopes to provide expanded support to reach more seniors and veterans.

“Comcast’s support allows us to make a lasting impact on so many lives,” shares Erik Rock, Technology Manager at the Loveland Public Library. “It’s about more than just teaching skills – it’s about restoring confidence, independence and dignity in an increasingly digital world.”

To learn more about how the Loveland Digital Navigators Program is transforming lives in Colorado or to find a Digital Navigator in your community, visit www.lovlib.org/dignav.