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Boston Digital Literacy Programs Continue Expanding Reach This Week
City-supported training reaches thousands through established local partners and free resources.
How we reported this
Boston's Digital Literacy Initiative supports 25 programs serving over 3,000 residents with coaching, technical assistance, and related services.
The effort, launched with World Education under the American Rescue Plan Act, addresses workforce needs in a city where university and biotech sectors drive employment. Programs help residents build skills for job applications and daily technology use at a time when many local employers list digital competencies as basic requirements.
Named partners deliver services across neighborhoods
Participants can use free in-person computer classes and 30-minute one-on-one Open Tech Lab appointments at the Boston Public Library. The library also provides access to online tutorials through LinkedIn Learning, LearnFree, Niche Academy, and DigitalLearn with a library card or e-Card. AACA Boston's Digital Skills Center runs culturally and linguistically responsive workshops aimed at job readiness for diverse learners. Tech Goes Home supplies remote and in-person lessons for low-income families, seniors, and small businesses, including partnerships such as with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's DOORS program.
MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center operates on-site one-on-one digital coaching and small group classes on core competencies at its location on 75 Federal Street. The center holds free drop-in Tech Help Tuesdays every Tuesday from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Funding and scale remain steady
The initiative expanded in 2023 with an additional $1 million in Community Project Funding from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. This support has allowed the 25 programs to maintain service levels for the more than 3,000 residents currently enrolled. Free online options such as Northstar Digital Literacy assessments and courses from Google and Microsoft supplement the in-person offerings.
Residents seeking to enroll can start by obtaining a Boston Public Library card or contacting MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center directly for coaching slots and class schedules.