NCW Tech Alliance awards $50,000 for regional digital access projects

WENATCHEE — A $50,000 investment is supporting 25 digital access projects across Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties, according to the NCW Tech Alliance.

The funding was distributed in September on behalf of the NCW Digital Access Coalition with support from Thriving Together NCW. The effort involves 53 regional organizations working on projects addressing access to devices, internet service, digital skills and online resources.

Projects include hardware distribution, bilingual digital navigation, public Wi-Fi expansion, digital literacy instruction and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Programs are serving youth, seniors, veterans, multilingual families, small businesses and rural residents.

Organizations providing bilingual digital navigation include Promotores de Salud, Unidos Nueva Alianza, CAFE and Warden School District. Their projects include bilingual technology instruction and assistance with FAFSA and WASFA applications.

Central Washington Disability Resources and Wenatchee Special Education PTSA are working on projects involving updated devices, adaptive software and telehealth navigation.

Programs serving seniors and veterans are being conducted by Methow at Home, Moses Lake Elks Lodge #2892, Foothills Community Center, Chelan-Douglas Dementia Friendly Coalition and Highlands Community Support Coalition. Those efforts include rural telehealth access, smartphone security and technology assistance.

Lake Chelan School District, Warden Gear Up, Big Bend Community College and Wenatchee Valley College are working on youth and postsecondary access projects involving laptops, digital literacy training and enrollment assistance.

Other projects involve public Wi-Fi, transit information, digital tools for small businesses and local news and information. Participating organizations include Pybus Public Market, Link Transit, NCW Arts Alliance, Ward Media, Welcome to Quincy WA News, Chiwawa Mosquito District and chambers of commerce in Moses Lake and Grand Coulee.

The Methow Valley Interpretive Center, TREAD and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance are also participating in projects related to Indigenous heritage, natural science education and trail stewardship information.

“Digital equity is about more than internet lines or devices,” said Dr. Sue Kane, CEO of NCW Tech Alliance. “We know that there are still too many of our neighbors across the region who are limited by their access to reliable, adequate internet, devices and skills to really access information, education, recreation, healthcare and meaningful connections to community. When we come together as a region to help people build confidence, trust, and local capacity we are showing everyone in the region that they are an important part of our future in North Central Washington.”

Partners held 42 community events during Digital Access Month, including cybersecurity clinics, digital literacy workshops and device setup sessions.

NCW Tech Alliance plans to recognize the 2026 Digital Access Commitment Makers during the Tech Trailblazers Reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. The reception will follow the NCW Cybersecurity Summit.