Home /Causes/Community Resiliency/Digital Navigator Network

Digital Navigator Network

Helping people and families access technology, digital literacy, and more.

Access to the internet and digital devices is essential in today’s world.

It allows people to participate in society, democracy, and the economy. Without these vital resources, children and families cannot fully engage in virtual schooling, social connections, job opportunities, and more.

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s Digital Navigator Network offers services to people requiring one-to-one dedicated support in accessing and using technology — and getting connected is just a phone call away.

The Digital Navigator Network includes four counties: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, and Allegheny Counties.

By calling 211 and speaking with a Digital Navigator, people can find support locating low-cost computers, internet access, getting online, Affordable Connectivity Program, digital literacy, and more.

With your support, we can grow this program to connect vital digital services to families across Greater Philadelphia.

Give Today

Our Partners

2024 Goals

1 in 5 American households aren’t connected to the internet, which is essential for employment, education, healthcare, and civic life. With support from Comcast NBCUniversal, we are expanding outreach and launching a new multi-year effort to bring United Way’s Digital Navigator Network to four counties.

Efforts will prioritize the lowest connected priority zip codes, as well as callers from low-income households, households with K-12 students, and callers requesting language support.

3,000

Minimum goal of people to connect in Philadelphia County in FY24

1,000

Minimum goal of people to connect in Allegheny County in FY24

700

Minimum goal of people to connect in Montgomery and Delaware County in FY24

Society is moving virtual and having access to the devices, connectivity, and technology skills is critical to helping

individuals fully participate in all facets of society.

- Amina Omar, Director, 211

Connect to help

Digital Navigator Services and resources available through 211 include:

Signing up for free or affordable internet access
Obtaining low-cost computers and devices
Getting basic technical support
Troubleshooting connectivity issues
Participating in PHLConnectED
Finding digital literacy programs and classes

LEARN MORE ON HOW TO CONNECT TO A 211 DIGITAL NAVIGATOR

Southeast PA

Delaware

CHESTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION

610-364-1212 (x106) or

Media Fellowship House

610-565-0434 or

Philadelphia

ESPERANZA

267-217-3508 or

THE EXCITE CENTER AT DREXEL UNIVERSITY

267-217-3508 or

SEAMAAC

267-225-0684 or

BEYOND LITERACY

267-225-0684 or ">

Montgomery

ACLAMO

610-329-5240 or

Literacy Council of Norristown

610-292-8515 or

answering the call

PHLConnectED

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic upended society and quick action was needed to ensure Philadelphia households had a reliable connection to the internet.

To help bridge the divide in digital equity, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey stepped up to serve as the regional coordinator for PHLConnectED, a multi-year collaborative effort ensuring Philadelphia K-12 students can connect to digital learning opportunities at home.

PHLConnectED leveraged efforts of the City of Philadelphia, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia School Partnership, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Comcast, and multiple philanthropic partners. Since 2020, United Way has designed, developed, and led a network of digital navigators, interacting with over 5,000 Philadelphia residents to help them connect and use the internet.