CBAN’s Digital Navigator Program

Digital navigators are trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices. A proud member of NDIA's pilot cohort of the National Digital Navigator Corps, CBAN's digital navigator provides no-cost, one-on-one assistance with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support, including for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) broadband service subsidy to residents of Taylor, Ringgold, and Decatur counties in southern Iowa.

Support and Instruction are delivered both in person and online, with additional modules available for specific additional training in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and more.

As we build our own pool of resources around this program, we will share program examples and information with our members and through this website. You can learn more about joining CBAN here.

How it works

CBAN works with community-based organizations of all kinds to identify and build support for digital navigation services. They are trusted local partners, key to program success. Our digital skilling curriculum is divided into three tracks, to meet the needs of learners at different levels.

NEED SERVICES? START HERE → Every services client will complete an initial assessment of their digital skills and ability to safely use a computer and the internet.

From there, the Digital Navigator will work with the client to establish personal goals and provide the needed supports around device ownership and access to affordable internet. Once established, the client will pursue one or more of three general tracks, curated to the needs of the individual.

Digital Skills 101

This track is for those whose primary digital activity currently takes place on a mobile device or not at all. This is a barrier to full participation in digital education, healthcare, and job placement, and an entry point to more in-depth learning. Clients in this track will focus on the following:

Working With Computers
Navigating Your Device (Windows/Mac)
Storing and Managing Digital Files
Internet Basics
Using Email

Digital Skills for Daily Living

Beyond computer basics, this module emphasizes safety and responsibility in accessing different aspects of the internet.

Using the Internet
- Internet Basics
- Social Media Safety
- Password and Information Security
Information Literacy
- Accessing Telemedicine
- Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
- Your Digital Footprint
Safe File Creation & Management
Google Drive & Docs

Digital Skills for the Job

There’s more to looking for work online than uploading a resume to a job website. Successful candidates understand the full spectrum of expected skills and actions, and this module will prepare our clients to achieve their own success in accessing career opportunities online.

Digital Privacy and Safety
Software for Careers (Microsoft Office/Google Suite)
Searching for Jobs
Preparing a Resume, Cover Letter, and References
Applying and Interviewing
After the Interview

Our program partners

The Community Broadband Action Network Corporation (CBAN Corp.) provides Digital Navigator services at no cost to recipients through a grant from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) that is part of a $10 million investment from Google.org to establish a national Digital Navigator Corps. It supports the hiring and establishment of 18 community-based digital navigators across the country for three years, through August 2025. CBAN was chosen from dozens of applicants nationwide.

NDIA sub-grantees, including CBAN Corp., will receive programmatic and technical support to further develop NDIA’s digital navigator model for rural and Tribal communities. The program will help thousands of Iowa residents to gain much-needed access to the internet, devices, and digital skills training.

National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 850 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. Find more information and join the NDIA community at digitalinclusion.org. To learn more about the Digital Navigator Corps pilot program, visit digitalinclusion.org/dn.

Google.org: Google.org supports nonprofits that address humanitarian issues and apply scalable, data-driven innovation to solving the world’s biggest challenges. We accelerate their progress with a unique blend of support that includes funding, products, and technical expertise from Google volunteers. We engage with these believers-turned-doers who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change.

The 18 National Digital Navigator Corps grantees are:

Alaska Federation of Natives, AK (Tribal-led)
Cayuse Native Solutions, OR (Tribal-led)
Cherokee Nation Tribe, OK (Tribal-led)
Community Broadband Action Network Corp, IA
Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc., AL
Computer Reach, PA
Easter Seals of Greater Houston, Inc., TX
Forest County Broadband Committee, WI (serving Tribal communities)
Gila River Broadcasting Corporation: Digital Connect Initiative, AZ (Tribal-led)
Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, OH
Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District, CA (Tribal-led)
Lummi Indian Business Council, WA (Tribal-led)
National Digital Equity Center, ME (serving Tribal communities)
Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, OH
Pottsboro Area Public Library, TX
Pueblo of Jemez, NM (Tribal-led)
Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc., KY
Washington State University Extension Grays Harbor County, WA (serving Tribal communities)

The three "A"s of digital equity and the ACP

When we think about broadband, there's much more than construction to consider. The three "A"s of digital equity are:

Access

Adoption

Affordability

In addition to federal, state, and local efforts to expand broadband networks and creation of programs like the Digital Navigator to support adoption, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers $30-$75 per month to help assure that qualifying households can afford reliable internet access in their homes, and up to $100 towards an internet-ready device. To learn more, click here.