The Digital Navigator model was developed by the Digital US Coalition in 2019. This customizable model uses a training and support approach that empowers community-based organizations to weave digital inclusion support into their existing services. For Metro Nashville and Davidson County, this model offers an opportunity to leverage our robust nonprofit network to provide digital inclusion support to the community at scale.
Flexible and Customizable
The Digital US Coalition recommends and supports using the Digital Navigator model to provide “foundational digital literacy skills and warm referrals to adult education and upskilling programs … to build digital resilience in our communities.” Digital Navigator programs focus on multiple activities besides digital literacy training, such as low-cost internet access and tech support.
The Digital Navigator
The ideal Digital Navigator can leverage repeated in-person or remote interactions to support an individual’s or family’s digital inclusion journey. A trained digital navigator will be able to assess a resident’s needs and competently guide them toward resources suitable for their skill level and lifestyle. This training can be anything from beginner digital skills to specialized training for small business management and entrepreneurship.
Our program will cross-train staff working in trusted community-based organizations, equipping them to become familiar with resources that drive digital opportunity. As part of their existing service delivery, they can help residents access and learn to use the many online services that enable education, food and housing assistance, childcare, employment, and more while remaining present in residents’ lives to provide a constant supportive element. By leveraging a network of multiple organizations offering digital navigation services, Digital Navigators can expand their organizations’ capabilities to guide their clients toward the various services that sustain and empower their lives.
The Process
Asset mapping is the starting point for any Digital Navigator program. It is an inventory of the resources and connections a community can leverage to build a robust program. Metro Nashville completed an asset mapping in the summer of 2023, with 68 organizations participating. Using the Digital Navigator model principles, we can customize services to fit the needs and characteristics of our local network.
The process continues with the development of procedures customized to our local needs, with training provided by a trusted statewide training partner to educate staff at the local community-serving organizations in our network.
Our Partners
Comcast is a trusted partner and founding Metro Digital Inclusion Advisory Group member. As our program sponsor, Comcast will continue fostering digital opportunity for Davidson County.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a longtime digital inclusion partner and founding member of the Advisory Group, will house and administer the Nashville Digital Navigators program grant.
Tech Goes Home, our statewide digital inclusion partner organization, will use its proven experience utilizing evidence-based curricula to develop the Nashville Digital Navigators training program and provide a comprehensive education to our navigators, empowering them to help our community build digital resilience.