Invest in Community-Driven Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide

By Mitch Coppes, Federal Government Affairs Manager, Goodwill Industries International

This week is National Digital Inclusion Week 2025, an annual event to spotlight the importance of digital equity and to advance essential digital skills, digital literacy, and affordable internet access for those who need it most. As the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence continues to reshape

workforce demands, the gap between those with digital skills and those without is growing. According to the National Skills Coalition, one in three American workers lacks even basic digital skills. Without digital literacy, jobseekers and those pursuing career growth find themselves at a disadvantage in an economy defined by evolving technology. This year’s theme, “Community-Driven Digital Futures,” emphasizes the critical role of community-based digital skills training and support services in bridging America’s digital divide.

Federal investment plays a vital role in supporting these local efforts. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $2.75 billion to the Digital Equity Act programs for states to create and now implement statewide Digital Equity Plans that prioritize serving people with disabilities, low-income families, older adults, veterans, justice-involved individuals, and other groups facing barriers to connectivity and opportunity. Additionally, the Digital Equity Competitive Grant was established to fund digital inclusion initiatives and workforce programs through community-based organizations, including Goodwill.

However, though Congress authorized and funded Digital Equity Act programs, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced in May that it would unilaterally terminate grants supporting both state and community-based digital equity initiatives. This decision puts at risk critical programs that help people develop digital skills, find employment, access healthcare, and fully participate in today’s digital economy. When Congress continues to consider appropriations following the government shutdown, lawmakers should provide the funding needed for this important work to continue and urge the administration to reinstate Digital Equity Act grants. Goodwill is working to build a digitally resilient, literate, and skilled workforce for the future and we look forward to partnering with public and private sector stakeholders in this endeavor.