Watch Digital Inclusion Week Celebration Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQvhH96hWHQ
Westchester County is proud to celebrate National Digital Inclusion Week starting October 6 and the success of Connect Westchester – a countywide initiative to help residents become tech adopters – with a series of Digital Inclusion Week events.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Digital equity is about access and opportunity. Through Connect Westchester, we are making sure that every resident has the tools they need to succeed — whether it’s applying for a job, helping a child with homework or accessing healthcare online. We are proud to be recognized as a national leader, but more importantly, we are proud of the direct impact this program is having on our residents’ lives.”
Connect Westchester is a partner initiative led by the County with programmatic services led by The STEM Alliance and critical industry and business connectivity led by Westchester County Association (WCA). Since its inception, Connect Westchester has distributed more than 1,550 Chromebooks, provided over 1,000 residents with 15 hours of basic digital skills education and helped more than 5,000 residents secure free or low-cost internet. Today, the program has reached residents in 78% of Westchester’s municipalities, with measurable outcomes and has helped Westchester earn national recognition as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer.
Events During Digital Inclusion Week
Westchester County will mark the week with several events designed to raise awareness and celebrate community impact:
- Device Distribution at Mount Vernon Public Library: Forty residents from across Westchester will receive laptops
- Lighting on October 10: The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will be illuminated in teal, the national color symbolizing efforts to “bridge the digital divide.”
- Conversation with Legislators and Elected Officials: Hosted at The STEM Alliance’s offices, this gathering will showcase stories from the field, with Digital Navigators, nonprofit partners, and clients sharing how digital inclusion services have changed their lives.
Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “Digital inclusion is a core economic strategy—making Westchester more competitive, inclusive, and future-ready. Connect Westchester equips residents with the skills, devices, and connectivity needed for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. Businesses want to be where the talent is strong and digitally capable. By partnering with the STEM Alliance and WCA, we’re building a skilled workforce, attracting employers, and driving Westchester’s growth.”
President & CEO of the WCA Michael Romita said: “Westchester’s economy depends on a skilled and connected workforce. By expanding digital access and ensuring that residents have the skills and tools they need, Connect Westchester is directly strengthening our regional economy. The business community is proud to support this work because digital access is no longer optional. It is essential for growth, competitiveness, and equity.”
President & Chief Visionary Officer of The STEM Alliance Margaret Käufer said: “Westchester County is recognized across the nation as a leader for prioritizing digital access for its residents. The problem seems complex but the solution is simple. Through skills, device ownership, and access to affordable internet, we are ensuring that Westchester has a skilled workforce ready for the future. We see this impact every day. One client, Teresa, a self-employed entrepreneur, shared that her laptop has allowed her to grow her business from home, saving travel time and enabling her to meet clients via Zoom in the privacy of her home. That is the transformative power of digital equity at work.”
About Connect Westchester
Connect Westchester is a County-led digital equity initiative delivered in partnership with The STEM Alliance and the Westchester County Association. The program addresses the urgent need for digital inclusion by connecting residents to devices, affordable internet, and tech education so that everyone can participate in our digital driven world. Through this work, Westchester is building capacity for all residents to thrive in education, healthcare, and workforce participation.
Learn more at www.westchestergov.com or thestemalliance.org/connect-westchester.