SJ Access Grants (Digital Inclusion Fund)

SJ Access Grants (Digital Inclusion Fund)

Overview: SJ Access Grants, powered by the Digital Inclusion Fund, aim to increase the number of households connected to the internet at home with meaningful use of technology and skills to navigate the internet.

Background: In June 2018, the City of San José became the first city in the country to pledge to close the digital divide for its residents when it established the Digital Inclusion Fund. The San José City Council unanimously approved the largest fiber and small cell deployment in the nation projected to generate $500 million in private-sector broadband infrastructure investment and approximately $10 million for the Digital Inclusion Fund between 2018-2028.

Administration: On April 11, 2023, the City Council approved the San José Public Library Foundation to oversee the program's administration and management.

Geographic Scope: San José, California

Funding Allocation: Up to $3 million in the Digital Inclusion Fund will be allocated to support the administration of SJ Access Grants

Focus Areas:

Affordable home broadband assistance

Digital skills building

Tech device access and support

Internet connectivity at speeds of at least 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload

Digital skills proficiency

Goals:

Connect 50,000 San José households with universal device access and universal connectivity

Ensure 50,000 households achieve and sustain appropriate digital skills proficiency

Empower historically under-represented or underserved communities

Eligibility: Community-based organizations and public agencies working to:

Expand internet connectivity

Host digital skill-building learning opportunities

Improve access to digital devices

Target Population:

Unconnected residents

Low-income residents

Disadvantaged residents

Residents needing culturally and linguistically relevant support

Digital Divide Context: According to the U.S. Census' 2018-2023 American Community Survey, 39,200 San José households (approximately 117,000 residents) lack access to reliable broadband. Of these:

42% have annual income below $35,000

39% are Latinx families

5% are African American families

39% are seniors

Key Components: Tech Hubs powered by SJ Access (opened in 2024) offer services on-site including:

Affordable home broadband assistance

Digital skills building classes

Tech device assistance

Personalized support from trained, bilingual staff

Grantee Impact: Since 2020, over 50 grantees have received SJ Access Grants to implement digital navigation programs.

Contact:

San José Public Library Foundation

PO Box 611540, San José, CA 95161-1540

Phone: 408.808.2081

Email: info@sjplf.org