April 10th, 2025

Mission: 

The Berks County Digital Equity Coalition is a group of partner organizations serving the communities of Berks County. Their work encompasses all areas of digital equity and is best summarized by their five goals: Provide internet connectivity, ensure access to affordable technology devices, teach online safety and security, build a sustainable ecosystem that supports digital equity, and provide training, education, and workforce development.

The coalition includes Berks County nonprofit organizations, libraries, private foundations, and local government. Several Berks County coalition members are also active in our statewide coalition, including Reading Public Library, Connections Work, and Wyomissing Foundation.

Impact on their Community:
The Reading Public Library is one of the coalition’s partner organizations, where Digital Literacy Instructor Cid Espinal started a program to empower seniors through digital skills: 

“This program was initially for 20 people, but I ended up with 181 seniors. These seniors saw technology as daunting, but through our one-on-one classes, they have gained the confidence to expand their tech skills. One of my students, who goes by the name Sunshine, was scared of technology and believed she was being left behind. As I taught her, she learned important skills such as making phone calls, blocking scam numbers, and using “Do not disturb” mode to enjoy Jeopardy uninterrupted. Achievements like hers are what motivates me to keep teaching those who feel left behind.”

Cid Espinal, Reading Public Library Digital Literacy Instructor

The coalition has also launched multiple pilot digital literacy programs throughout Berks County such as full-time digital navigators for Connections Work and the Berks County Intermediate Unit, and expansion of the Berks Community Health Center’s patient monitoring and educational efforts. To learn more about the coalition’s impact visit https://bcdigitalequity.org/our-history/.

Next Steps:

The next steps for the Berks County Digital Equity Coalition include the implementation of their pilot digital literacy projects and continuing to connect with local organizations and community partners to bridge the county’s digital divide.

We’re proud to have the Berks County Digital Equity Coalition as a key partner in our mission to create a more connected future for the people of Pennsylvania! You can follow their work at https://bcdigitalequity.org/