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- Provo was named a 2024 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
- Provo is Utah's only local government recognized by the group for digital inclusion efforts.
- Provo's program offers digital literacy, device access and internet connectivity.
PROVO — The National Digital Inclusion Alliance named Provo a 2024 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, securing the city's spot as an honoree for the fifth consecutive year.
The Digital Inclusion Trailblazers Program recognizes local governments throughout the country that exemplify how to bring opportunities for digital education and internet access to all residents. Sixty Trailblazers throughout the nation were recognized in 2024, making this the largest group of honorees in the program's history since it began in 2016.
Among the 25 states represented, Provo is the only local government in Utah recognized as a Trailblazer. Provo was also one of the 34 honorees categorized as "Visionary Trailblazers" for being outstanding examples of entities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion efforts into their communities.
Digital inclusion efforts are especially geared toward underserved communities, including those of lower socioeconomic status, Hispanic and Latino residents and aging adults. According to data from the Utah County Digital Inclusion Plan, 58% of Latino workers have limited to no digital access skills — limiting employment opportunities and skills in the workplace — and 52.7% of adults over 65 do not have internet access at home.
Provo's digital inclusion program takes a three-pronged approach to provide more opportunities to residents in need by offering digital literacy education, access to computers and electronic devices, and access to the internet. Multiple community resources, such as the Provo City Library, offer free internet access and free digital literacy and computer skills classes. In addition to the computers available for public use, the library also offers residents the ability to check out Chromebooks and hot spots to access the internet from home.
"The purpose of this administrative directive is to ensure that Provo city government envisions a city where every resident has the opportunities to easily, safely, affordably and reliably access and use information and communication technologies in the ways that best serve their individual needs," said Josh Ihrig, Provo's information systems division director, in a news release. "In a digitally equitable Provo, communities will be connected — not divided — by technology."
In the 2024 Digital Inclusion Programming Update, Ihrig said Provo provided over 400 computers to residents in need and offered more than 163 digital skills training classes through the digital inclusion program. This program is funded by Provo city government and various community partnerships, including United Way of Utah County, which offers an adopt-a-computer program to low-income adults and computer skills classes.
"United Way has been proud to partner with Provo city as we work together to assure that the benefits of our community's great technology benefit everyone," said Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County, in a news release. "Provo is certainly worthy of recognition for this good work."
For a full list of resources available, visit the Provo Digital Inclusion website.
