SJ Access Grants (Digital Inclusion Fund)

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: 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