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. Up to $3 million in the Digital Inclusion Fund will be allocated to support the administration of SJ Access Grants to increase the number of households connected to the internet at home with meaningful use of technology and skills to navigate the internet.
SJ Access Grants powered by the Digital Inclusion Fund aims to:
Empower all San José residents and communities—especially those who are historically under-represented or underserved.
Connect 50,000 San José households with universal device access and universal connectivity at speeds of at least 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload.
Ensure 50,000 households in San José achieve and sustain the appropriate digital skills proficiency level to stay ahead of technology and increase quality of life outcomes in education, workforce, healthcare and more.
SJ Access Grants will distribute up to $500,000 annually to community-based organizations and public agencies to help bridge the digital divide for unconnected, low-income, and disadvantaged residents with culturally and linguistically relevant support. These grants support organizations in San José working to expand internet connectivity, host digital skill-building learning opportunities, and improve access to digital devices.
On April 11, 2023, the City Council approved the San José Public Library Foundation to oversee the program’s administration and management.
What is the Digital Divide?
Broadband internet is no longer a luxury, but an essential onramp to education, jobs, and access to essential services. Over 20 million Americans lack broadband today. Yet, nearly all homework requires online access and students with internet access at home are 6-8% more likely to graduate from high school.
Despite being the largest city in Silicon Valley, San José has a persistent digital divide that excludes many residents from the opportunities offered by technologies developed in our backyard. According to the U.S. Census’ 2018-2023 American Community Survey, 39,200 San José households, or approximately 117,000 residents, still lack access to reliable broadband. Of these households, 42% have an annual income below $35,000, 39% are Latinx families, 5% are African American families, and 39% are seniors.
Closing the digital divide in San José is imperative to building an inclusive city where technology benefits all of our residents.
Tech Hubs powered by SJ Access
Since 2020, over 50 grantees have received SJ Access Grants to implement digital navigation programs prioritizing key components of Digital Inclusion:
Affordable Home Broadband
Assistance with internet access and accessing affordable broadband at home.
Offer Digital Skills Building Classes
Enhancing digital skills to access jobs, educational opportunities and critical services.
Tech Devices
Assistance with accessing affordable tech devices and personalized support from trained, bilingual staff.
In 2024, grantees opened the first Tech Hubs powered by SJ Access, welcoming spaces offering the above services on site.
Digital Inclusion is made possible through the collaboration of the following entities:
