The Town of Falmouth has received an $85,000 grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Fund, allocating $79,900 for the purpose of managing a digital navigation program for Falmouth residents who fall into the category of digitally disadvantaged.
Following a rigorous evaluation process completed by the town of Falmouth review committee, Falmouth Community Television Corporation, Inc. (FCTV) has been awarded the Digital Navigation Services contract.
“We appreciate the Town’s confidence in FCTV and are honored to carry out this project on behalf of the community,” said Debra Rogers, FCTV Chief Executive Officer. “These resources will directly support residents who need structured training and supportive access to technology.
FCTV’s Digital Navigator Program will be accepting participants who require assistance in navigating the digital world, including seniors, veterans, low-income residents, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those with language barriers.
Workshops will be hands-on, practical, and interactive, offering guided practice and real-world applications so participants acquire skills to access online healthcare, financial management, and government services, allowing for civic participation. The program will also provide computer and internet access, at FCTV or at one of several participating satellite locations.
FCTV is partnering with a network of local organizations to ensure the program’s success, including the Falmouth Public Library, Falmouth Senior Center, Falmouth Service Center, the Cape Cod Cape Verdean Museum & Cultural Center, the Falmouth Veterans Center, and others. These partners will assist FCTV in identifying potential participants, handling day to day logistics at the program’s satellite training locations, and helping recruit and train community volunteers who can provide one-on-one digital navigation support.
“The Town is excited to have the opportunity to partner with FCTV in the launch of our first Digital Navigator Program,” said Falmouth Town Manager Mike Renshaw. “Full participation in the Falmouth community requires Internet access and the digital skills to access information and necessary services equitably and effectively. A recent digital equity planning study revealed that there are about 2,000 digitally disadvantaged households in Falmouth. Helping these households will enrich the Falmouth community for everybody.”
FCTV continues to seek additional partner organizations and government entities interested in supporting local digital equity efforts and will be recruiting volunteers who want to help bridge the digital divide in Falmouth.
FCTV will be hiring a part-time Project Manager to coordinate program operations, including training, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement.
Application and participation details are available on FCTV’s website at fctv.org/digital.