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Across each of our 91ÉçÇø cities, GFiber collaborates with local organizations that are driving positive change in their communities, addressing issues of digital equity and driving STEM education initiatives. In Denver, we work closely with the), a non-profit that increases access to higher education for STEM-focused students across Colorado. Nick Lopez, President and CEO of LAEF, shares how LAEF is making a career in STEM even more attainable for future Latino professionals. 


is focusing on the future of Colorado by investing in its brightest and most driven Latino students. For 75 years we have identified, cultivated, supported and highlighted bright young minds throughout the state, and enabled them to grow in their career pursuits in STEM via scholarship and professional opportunities. 

A key component of our scholars’ achievement is not only the financial support LAEF provides, but also the access to a success coach. Our success coaches help college students navigate campus life, utilize university resources to their fullest potential and provide counsel on career opportunities. This holistic, culturally-centered, support is critical for the success of the students we work with, especially knowing that of the 121 scholarships awarded in 2024, 81% of these scholars were first-generation college students. 


We rely on community donations and industry partners for our scholarships— Google Fiber’s support funded four scholarships this year alone. Once students are part of LAEF, we make the commitment to renew that scholarship every year for the duration of their college education. 

Through our match opportunities we build on donations from industry partners dollar-for-dollar, enabling our donors to double their impact and allowing us to reach twice as many students. 

As the longest serving Latino scholarship foundation in the state of Colorado with a 75-year history, we have unique insight into how the demand for scholarships is growing exponentially across the state.  

Over the past 10-15 years, we have seen more and more Latinos pursue a higher education in Colorado, but the biggest barrier remains access to financial resources, especially amid the increasing costs to attend college. 

Last year LAEF had 525 students apply for our scholarship program and we had the capacity to provide awards to 121 students. However, there is still work to be done to meet rising scholarship demand.


As we look to the years ahead, partnering with other nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado, securing long-term support from our industry partners like GFiber has never been more important. 

This support represents an investment in the very future of Colorado. By 2050, Latinos are projected to comprise more than 35% of the state population. In this way, our work has a direct impact on not only today’s students, but the future innovators, entrepreneurs, and STEM workforce of the state of Colorado.

Just like GFiber is an innovative, forward-looking company, this is next-generation work for us. We’re looking at the future, finding ways to support students and create pathways to higher education.  

Posted by Nick Lopez, President & CEO LAEF

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GFiber co-founded the Digital Inclusion Fellowship Program with NTEN in 2015 to equip fellows to address digital equity in their communities nationwide. Over that time GFiber has funded 133 fellows in our service areas. Today on the GFiber Blog, NTEN CEO Amy Sample Ward reflects on a decade of growth and the lessons learned from empowering over 153 digital equity champions.

NTEN 10th Cohort 2024
This September, NTEN launched the tenth cohort of the . Over the years, the Fellowship has expanded the pool of capable and innovative digital equity leaders and champions in the nonprofit sector. Created in close collaboration with Google Fiber and proudly engaging with nearly ten other funders across the industry and country, the program has drawn on insights from a diverse range of practitioners, allowing us to continuously refine the Fellowship into a truly inclusive, adaptable, and holistic training model. 

These ten cohorts have reaffirmed several key beliefs that underpin our work. As we mark this tenth anniversary, we want to celebrate the remarkable impact of our fellows and share the valuable lessons we’ve learned together.

There are many barriers that keep communities digitally divided. 

We aim to give fellows the freedom, resources, and skills to design programs tailored to their community’s unique needs. As a result, each cohort and fellow has approached this work differently. Fellows have covered a wide range of topics and learning goals in their training. We’ve seen fellows organize drop-in computer lab sessions that consistently fill up, or lead partnerships to provide participants with free devices or hotspots. We’ve had fellows who focused on helping their community build the skills that were valuable to them – from job applications, accessing healthcare, and continuing education, to finding a recording of their first concert on YouTube, or staying connected with distant friends and family.


Nonprofit organizations that already work with, and are trusted by, digitally divided communities are ideally positioned to deliver digital inclusion programs. 

Our goal isn't to create new organizations solely focused on digital inclusion, but rather to integrate these programs into the existing missions and services of organizations that community members already rely on for support. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to digital inclusion programs; we have had fellows from a diverse array of organizations, including libraries, public housing authorities, parks and recreation departments, adult literacy organizations, immigrant and refugee service agencies, parent centers, and many others.


We are stronger together, always. 

Working within a cohort model ensures that fellows, even if they are the only ones in their region, remain part of a deeply supportive network of peers and practitioners, so they never feel alone in their work. Additionally, we are more effective in bridging digital divides when we collaborate rather than compete. Many fellows have developed partnership programs across their cities, encouraging participants to access training, devices, and other services from multiple organizations, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

With these guiding beliefs, the Digital Inclusion Fellowship launched with and continues to hold three priority goals, each with measurable and exciting impact to date. 

  • To support nonprofit staff who want to be digital equity champions within their organizations and communities to have the skills and confidence to design and expand programs.  To date, we have supported 153 fellows from 131 organizations, across 22 regions.
  • To guide those staff with training, coaching, and support to build programs that are sustainable, equitable, and relevant to their specific communities. Our fellows equip underserved communities with digital literacy and access – such as Tanesha Whitelaw, who worked with incarcerated women in Missouri and Kansas; Julie Heller, who supported newly resettled refugees with culturally sensitive digital literacy training; and Brianna Glass, who created educational zines for seniors in her library. In total, fellows have provided 130,088 hours of training and distributed over 5,800 devices in their communities.
  • To expand the number of digital equity leaders across the country and strengthen the coalitions, networks, and movement for this sector. Over the past ten years, DIF fellows have reached 56,065 participants and fostered 1,238 partnerships that strengthen the impact of their digital equity work. 

These are more than just numbers. They represent lives changed, communities connected, and opportunities created through the dedication of our fellows. Our DIF fellows have stepped up as digital equity advocates and leaders. They’ve shared their stories and insights at digital equity conferences and even pushed for policy changes to ensure that everyone has a fair chance in our increasingly digital world.

Like all of the programs at NTEN, we see our role as the spark, the supporter, the capacity builder, and the one cheering the loudest for this community. We are incredibly proud to spotlight every fellow that has been part of a decade of remarkable, critical work for communities and our sector. , their programs, and the impact they have each made. And we welcome you to join us as part of this pivotal program!

Posted by Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN 



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GFiber is committed to supporting women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). In Charlotte, we work with the , supporting their vision of making computer science education accessible, inclusive and equitable for all regardless of gender.  Jillian Klinberg , Executive Director, shares with us the organization’s impact and how sponsorships and proceeds raised from the upcoming will help them meet their goals. 

Dottie Rose Foundation (DRF) is deeply committed to empowering and supporting girls in their journey through computer science. We firmly believe that achieving gender equality in the tech field starts with early intervention, which is why we focus primarily on girls from 5th to 12th grade. Our approach at DRF is offering comprehensive and continuous programming that nurtures their interest and skills in the world of computer science. We are setting the standard in computer science education through our in-school and year round programs, summer camps, workshops and girls in tech days. Our mission is centered around equipping girls with the skills and confidence to succeed in the field of technology. We understand that it's not enough to teach computer science; we also need to inspire and empower them!  

DRF was founded in February 2018 and is named in honor of our founder, Dr. Sharon Jones’s grandmother,  a lifelong learner who was always taking a new class or picking up a new skill. Dr. Jones was teaching computer science at Philip O. Berry High School and noticed the lack of girls in her high school computer science courses. In fact,  only 3-4 girls were signing up for the classes. 


For five years, Sharon and I hustled non-stop, building relationships and forging strategic partnerships. Our relentless efforts enabled us to secure key funders such as GFiber and drive our vision forward. Since our start in 2018, we have served over 2500 girls! As of August 2023, DRF is now 100% scholarships based with 85% of our girls coming from underserved, underfunded communities within Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Our programs serve girls from different backgrounds, races and economic households. It makes for a wonderful blend of girls with different perspectives and points of view, and beautiful friendships are made. Through our deeply rooted partnerships with industry volunteers, we are able to enhance the impact and expertise of our programming. 



We provide our girls with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the fast-changing tech industry. Our programs are designed to be adaptable and responsive to the needs of the girls we serve. We recognize that the gender gap in computer science is rooted in a number of factors, including stereotypes about girls' abilities in STEM fields and a lack of female role models in the tech industry. The foundation's programs are designed to address these root causes by providing girls with positive role models and by challenging stereotypes about girls' abilities in STEM. Through our deeply rooted partnerships with industry professionals, we are able to enhance the impact and expertise of our programming. With 95% of our volunteers being women, and 76% representing minority groups, we are able to provide girls with authentic insights into real-world applications and networking opportunities. We are better together!



DRF has grown from Sharon and myself to a team of 5 full-time employees! Our staff and volunteers at the DRF are passionate about closing the gender gap in computer science. They are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for girls to learn and explore their interests in tech. They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity allows them to connect with girls from all walks of life and help them see themselves in the tech industry. Our DRF staff and volunteers serve as mentors and role models for the girls they work with. They share their own stories and experiences in tech, and they help girls to develop their skills and confidence. They are active in the community, raising awareness of the gender gap in computer science and encouraging girls to pursue careers in tech.

According to code.org, there are currently 10,873 open computing jobs with an average salary of $109,439 in North Carolina. Yet, there were only 2,482 graduates in computer science from North Carolina colleges and universities, and only 61% of all public high schools teach a foundational computer science course. 

At the Dottie Rose Foundation, we not only inspire girls to dream about rewarding careers in technology, but we give them the support and hands-on experiences to empower them to do the work to turn their dreams into reality. 

Posted by Jillian Klingberg, Executive Director Dottie Rose Foundation 



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In each of our GFiber cities, we support organizations that focus on the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and deliver cutting edge programming. Craft Lake City shares on the blog the impact over the past 10 years of ensuring community members have the opportunity to engage with and benefit from STEM educational experiences with the support of GFiber . 



The GFiber STEM Building has been a time honored source of discovery and learning for festival goers for a full decade now! This collaboration has supported to foster hands-on experiences and illustrate how creativity drives innovation across various fields. CLC  believes that the power of creativity is universal and essential to providing solutions in the science, technology, engineering and math worlds as much as it is for the arts.  

While the STEM Building has been a staple of the DIY Fest since its inception in 2012, GFiber’s sponsorship took it to the next level in 2015. That year, the STEM area hosted around 30 STEM exhibitors and it quickly became a fan-favorite attraction of the Festival. Over the last decade, GFiber has remained committed to making digital resources and technology more accessible to the local community in Utah, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and benefit from the latest STEM advancements year after year. 

The GFiber STEM Building has collaborated with Craft Lake City to create a space for makers and STEM enthusiasts alike, where everyone is allowed to let their curiosity take over and discover new interests. This space plays an integral part in building community for science, technology, engineering and math creators while inspiring the next generation to pursue their own creative passions. 


As a direct result of this partnership, Craft Lake City has been able to grow year-round STEM programming as well, teaching concepts like rocketry to Title I elementary schools across Utah through the CLC rocket launch program. Kicking off in 2022, this program teaches students about the use of variables, ratios, principles of motion, and more through hands-on, kid-friendly activities. 


At this year’s Craft Lake City DIY Festival, the GFiber STEM Building hosted over 40 STEM exhibitors, including local game developers, DIY Engineers, local tinkerers, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. Across the weekend, there were interactive experiences for all audiences including Photon Glow Tent, Meta’s Virtual Reality headset, DIY rocket launches, STEM Action Center’s Pop-Up Maker Faire and Indie Game Day! Each day, attendees had the opportunity to creatively explore  the photon glow booth, play virtual reality games with Meta’s VR headset and customize their very own bottle rockets then launch them into the sky! On Saturday, STEM Action Center’s Pop-Up Maker Fair hosted additional local makers with crafting activities for the whole family. On Sunday, Indie Game Day presented festival go-ers with the chance to check out the newest offerings from nine indie studios and engage with the Utah Chapter of the International Game Developers Association of Utah (IGDA). These partnerships demonstrate that the GFiber STEM Building has grown in the past decade to both offer festival attendees and local STEM educators new and engaging opportunities.


Craft Lake City and GFiber are excited to continue this collaboration with a shared mission of advancing local STEM education and delivering cutting-edge programming in Utah. Over the past decade, we have been jointly committed to ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to engage with and benefit from these impactful educational experiences.

Posted by Angela Brown, Executive Director Craft Lake City









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Google Fiber’s Community Connections program provides gigabit internet service to local nonprofits to help them serve their constituencies and meet their organizational goals. Today, the Austin Film Society, a GFiber Community Connection in Austin, Texas, shares how access to high-speed internet is helping to unlock the potential of the local creative community. 

When award-winning filmmaker Richard Linklater founded the (AFS) in 1985—before gaining fame for his films Slacker and Dazed and Confused—he hoped to create a community of “oddballs and film freaks” who shared his passion for cinema. 




Today, AFS is a thriving film community that empowers filmmakers, nurtures Austin and Texas as a creative center, and unites people through the shared experience of great cinema. 

AFS operates a 20-acre production facility located at the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. The facility features two soundstages, a mill/wardrobe facility, two vendor warehouses, two flex stages, production offices, and a dedicated parking area for production basecamps. It's here that GFiber powers "stage 7" as well as the Creative Media Center, fueling the work of the productions using these facilities.
 
Additionally, the organization runs the , Austin’s only nonprofit arthouse theater with a robust program of both classic and contemporary films. Where else can you see the 4K restored version of Seven Samurai this summer?



In partnership with the City of Austin, AFS also operates the state-of-the-art facilities at which were previously run by an organization called channelAustin. They were selected as one of the first organizations in Austin to take part in GFiber’s Community Connections program to receive gigabit internet service at no cost. Today, AFS is still benefiting from using GFiber at Austin Public, and the faster internet speeds definitely have a positive impact on their work.

Austin Public offers low- and no-cost training, equipment, facilities and content distribution—all designed to empower individuals and nonprofit organizations to create film and media projects that speak to the local community, facilitate community building, and diversify the media landscape. Much of that requires a fast and reliable internet connection. That’s how GFiber has made an impact. 



Additionally, the film industry is one of the most competitive and difficult industries to enter. It takes more than luck—it takes skills. 

So to help open doors, AFS established the at its Austin Public facilities. This workforce development program offers three training pathways for individuals at different stages of their professional journeys in film. Students receive hands-on experience and utilize GFiber during classroom lectures as well, while they're working on creative projects in Austin Public's video editing suite.

18 to 24 year olds who are interested in pursuing a media production career as an alternative to—or in conjunction with—a college degree, can check out the Creative Careers Internship Pathway, a paid internship and training program.



For individuals 18 and older, the Immersive Training Pathway is a three-month, stipend-paid program that provides training in audio and video production, digital media instruction, professional development and technical skills. Participants complete a minimum of eight training hours per week and receive job-placement support.

Lastly, the Continuing Education Pathway is a free program for those with prior production experience. If you want to expand your production skills and improve your career beyond the usual equipment certification course, Austin Public is the place. 

With GFiber’s support, AFS will continue to give the Austin community the programs and training to "make, watch, and love film" (as well as produce more “oddballs and film freaks”).

To learn more about our Creative Careers program and additional workforce development opportunities, please visit

Posted by Austin Film Society 




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Today on the GFiber Blog we’re featuring a guest post from Tech-Moms, one of our incredible Utah partner nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping women transition into tech and achieve long-term success in their careers through training and counseling. As a past cohort graduate, Katie Swenson, the organization’s Social Media Marketing Manager, reflects on her journey to Tech-Moms and why the recent partnership with GFiber is a game-changer. 


My journey into the tech world wasn’t typical. I didn’t major in computer science or dream of coding as a child. Instead, I took what some might call the “traditional” route in life. After graduating with a B.S. in Human Nutrition from Southern Utah University in 2011, I got married, and embarked on a career in sales for a large food distributor. For seven years, I honed my skills in empathy, accountability, customer service, and negotiation, all while raising three young children with my husband. 

In 2020 the pandemic hit, and the restaurant industry, my primary clientele, suffered overnight. I found myself scrambling to help these businesses stay afloat while still juggling the demands of motherhood. The constant blur of balancing work and home life was taking its toll, and I knew I needed a change. 

In June 2020, I made the decision to leave my corporate job and become a stay-at-home mom. It was a leap of faith, knowing it would mean a significant pay cut for my family. Unfortunately, just two months later, I lost my mother to Mesothelioma after a 6 year battle. Amidst grief and uncertainty, I stumbled upon an article about Tech-Moms. 

Tech-Moms? Learning to code? It sounded intimidating at first, but something inside me urged me to sign up for their spring 2021 cohort. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Over the course of nine Saturday classes, I learned to design a website from scratch and found a supportive community of women that I never knew existed. 

This experience ignited a passion within me. I just knew I wanted to be a part of Tech-Moms in any way I could. When a part-time position for their social media marketing manager opened up, I jumped at the opportunity, despite not having much experience in the field and being pregnant with my fourth child. Two years later, I’m still learning and growing every day, surrounded by an incredible team while witnessing lives being transformed within this community, just like mine was. Being present with my children has been an immense blessing. There is no shortage of memories being made. 

With GFiber’s support, we are reaching even more women and able to provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in tech. Collectively, we’re breaking down barriers and empowering women to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or previous experience. 

At Tech-Moms, our mission is simple yet profound: to empower women to thrive in the tech industry. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to reenter the workforce, or a seasoned professional seeking a change, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about Tech-Moms at

Posted by Katie Swenson, Social Media Marketing Manager











Tech-Moms is always accepting applications on our website. We run cohorts each fall and winter: September through November and January through March. There are two options for our core training program: in person each Saturday for 9 weeks (Utah only), and a virtual course taught in 2 sessions per week (generally one weeknight and Saturday morning for 9 weeks). Course tuition is $400 (financial assistance is available). Our students learn basic front-end web development, including HTML, CSS, and Javascript, and build their own simple website as a final project. We also have extensive career exploration opportunities during the course. Upon completion, each student will receive additional support in choosing their next steps, including additional training and education, job search assistance, or both. Our graduates are moving confidently into tech roles across all industries, all with the long term support of our Tech-Moms community. We truly live by our motto: Once a Tech-Mom, Always a Tech-Mom. 




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In the next installment of our Speed on Business series, Jakob Burke, Director of HomeCare Advocacy Network of Des Moines, a provider of in-home senior care services, shares how the company helps families in the Des Moines area navigate senior care using innovative technology and quality internet to assist in providing consistent, compassionate support. 


At we understand that excellent care depends on the power of connection. Our goal is to bridge the gap between high-quality care and families who need it most. 

Our expansion into Des Moines in February, marked a new chapter of dedicated service. Our mission at HCAN is to provide personalized care that feels like an extension of one’s family. Whether in the comfort of one's home or within an independent living facility community, our caregivers lend a hand with daily routines or offer specialized care.


In the ever-changing landscape of home care, high-speed internet service is critical to how we operate. From maintaining our social media presence to ensuring our 24/7 admin team is just a quick call away, Google Fiber keeps us connected to the families we serve and the healthcare professionals we partner with in Central Iowa.

Using GFiber is more than just about internet connectivity; it's about ensuring that video calls with families discussing care options are uninterrupted, digital training sessions for our caregivers are crystal-clear, and every administrative task is handled with utmost efficiency. It is the basis of our commitment to be there when needed, without fail.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision for HCAN is to not only meet the growing demand for quality home care but to revolutionize the industry. We are pioneering flexible care plans and innovative solutions, like our soon-to-be-launched AI monitoring tools, that provide additional support for our clients. Our specialized training programs, partnerships with hospice and home health organizations, and commitment to continuing education for our caregivers are what set us apart in a sea of home care options.

At HCAN, it’s not just about the services we provide, we care deeply about the culture we create within our team by fostering an environment where respect is paramount, and where the well-being of our caregivers is as important as that of the families we assist. Each family represents a unique story, a life enriched, a stress alleviated. And, as we continue to grow and support more families in need, we remain inspired by the possibilities of what thoughtful, connected care can achieve. 


HCAN is proud to deliver care that’s as resilient and enduring as the community we serve. For those seeking a partnership in care or simply exploring options, HCAN is here, arms wide open, ready to be the support you need, when you need it most. Together, we can navigate the journey ahead with confidence and compassion.

Posted By Jakob Burke, Director, Home Care Advocacy Network of Des Moines




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Access to high-speed internet is a necessity, yet not everyone has equal access to the digital world. This week, over 1300 energized and engaged practitioners, policy makers, academics and activists came together at the annual in Philadelphia, PA. The conference brings together experts from the broadband and technology industry, along with national, state, and local digital equity leaders to share ideas, best practices and to champion the fight for digital inclusion. 

GFiber has been an active participant in this conference since early days. NDIA supports community programs and engages with policymakers on key issues around digital equity, which mirrors our efforts in each of the cities we serve.

GFiber’s Policy and Government and Community Affairs teams, represented by Ariane Schaffer (NY), Ryun Jackson (TN), John-Michael Cortez (TX), were on site in Philly, taking part in the broader conversation on the many issues that influence digital equity in our country. Additionally, Ariane shared her expertise on a panel centered around protecting broadband consumers with a strong focus on ensuring customers can understand what their internet service includes. It’s a top priority for us, which is why we launched Consumer Broadband Nutrition Labels even before the FCC’s deadline. 



The growth in attendance of the conference was very visible this year. A diverse number of people were in-house from across all 50 states and several US territories. This diversity was also reflected in the jammed packed conference sessions, where various interesting discussions took place- such as one led by , which brought to the forefront the aspect of digital equity and inclusion and what that looks like for the developmental disabilities community.



But the most pressing topic of conversation in Philadelphia (and for those of us working towards digital equity across the country) is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is due to run out of funding in April this year.  

ACP is the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history and is already helping over 23 million households across the country save up to $30 each per month on their monthly internet bills, and up to $75 for tribal households. It has been highly successful in helping families afford the internet they need to get and stay online, allowing them to connect to key opportunities in education, employment, healthcare and community empowerment. You can help protect this vital program. Email or call your representatives in Congress to ask them to please provide more funding for the ACP program by supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024. You can visit to find your representatives in Congress.

The Net Inclusion Conference underscored the importance of internet access, adoption, education and application; key elements of digital inclusion. Digital equity remains a persistent challenge, and it will take a cross-sector approach to solve it. We will continue to collaborate and build partnerships with the government and various organizations- supporting the work for digital equality and a better connected world.

Posted By, 
Ariane Schaffer, Public Policy & Government Affairs Manager
Ryun Jackson, Regional Government & Community Affairs Manager 
John-Michael Cortez, Regional Government & Community Affairs Manager



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Google Fiber partners with organizations working to make digital equity a reality in the communities we serve. was mobilized to combat the digital divide for underserved residents in Kansas City. Brynna Darley of KC Digital Drive shares the organization’s work towards the region’s digital transformation with an emphasis on digital choice and dignity, as well as support broadband connectivity and digital inclusion.


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is an organization that focuses on civic engagement in digital inclusion and emerging technology. To do so, we offer several programs to help combat the digital divide in the bi-state Kansas City region. We leverage the talents and resources available to us in the surrounding community. Notably, the last two years of our collaboration with Google Fiber found us on the receiving end of 400 Chromecasts.



Wanting to make the best of this opportunity, Peter Smith, an member working with KC Digital Drive, got creative and developed a new educational workshop that illustrated the power of switching from cable TV to streaming services (like added flexibility and more money in your pocket each month). He developed a curriculum and connected with partner organizations to assess the demand for this new . 



Each one-hour session focuses on: 


  • Setting up and using Chromecast 

  • Navigating the streaming landscape of free and paid services 

  • Finding reliable home internet at speeds suitable for their streaming needs


Since introducing this curriculum in April of 2023, we’ve distributed more than 325 Chromecasts donated by GFiber, across 19 events with nine different partner organizations, including , , and .


In October of last year, we integrated the workshops into our class schedule at the — a digital commons for training and support in Kansas City historic east side that serves low-income neighborhoods and residents.

One workshop attendee, Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Mesa, is a perfect example of how transformative one device can be. Mesa is 82 years old, living in Kansas City but originally from Wyoming. 


“Living on a fixed income, cable is a cost just like anything else, like a cellphone,” he said. He learned about our Cut the Cord workshops through outreach from our Digital Skills Trainer, Carol Meyers. 


Mesa shared that being a nerdy type of guy, access to streaming content and entertainment with his new Chromecast allows him to explore interests of history, nature, civilization, different animals and people, and the planet and science. 


We have been so pleased to see the demand for these workshops grow as our partners and community engage with options that boost equity and understanding of the technology and digital skills that fuel such a big part of daily life. We know that cable subscriptions can be expensive, and we are delighted to see these free devices help hundreds of households save money each month. 


To learn more about Cut the Cord workshop and the digital inclusion ecosystem in Kansas City, subscribe to our and visit us online at . 



Posted by Brynna Darley, State Digital Inclusion Coordinator








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As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, we are reminded of the ongoing pursuit for equity, justice, and the civil rights leader’s legacy and vision of a world with equal access to opportunities. Google Fiber aspires to be a part of this dream, by helping to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusivity in our increasingly connected world. 


Everyone deserves fast, reliable internet at an accessible price, and the ability to put that internet connection to use - to connect to opportunity. We’re grateful to work with many organizations across the country that put that principle to work every day, helping their clients and constituents get more out of their lives, both online and beyond.  




Here are a few ways our incredible community partners are marking this important day across the country:


  • Austin, Texas: The showcases fourth to sixth-grade students from local schools delivering speeches centered on Dr. King's dream. 

  • Kansas City, Kansas: The , provides 5 MCC recipients with a full-tuition scholarship for one year. 

  • Huntsville, Alabama: hosted by supports scholarships, leadership development, and training for exceptional students.    

  • Atlanta, Georgia: and the are events to get the local community volunteering for projects that support 50 nonprofits and schools. This week, volunteers from the GFiber team served at C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Mobile Food Pantry in Atlanta, GA, packed meal bags and prepared for meal distribution. 


  • Research Triangle Area (Raleigh-Durham), North Carolina: supports a full day of health programming at the

  • Charlotte, North Carolina: YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The GFiber local team will also volunteer in a MLK day of service at .



GFiber is proud to be a small part of these efforts, and others, working towards a more equitable and just world.


Of course, there is still more work to be done. We will continue to push forward to make the internet more accessible and to help others harness the power and opportunity of the internet. You can help too! One small way to act right now  — the let add your voice on the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 to keep that connection strong for everyone.


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Posted by Jess George, Head of Digital Equity & Community Impact 



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