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:

Goals:

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

Target Population:

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:

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

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

Contact: