Dear Connectors!
As we kick off another quarter of advancing digital equity in St. Louis, we’re excited to share updates on our initiatives, celebrate successes, and invite you to join us in shaping a more connected future. Together, we’re bridging gaps and empowering communities.
In This Issue
Highlight Event: Visionary Trailblazer Status
The City of St. Louis has been recognized with the Visionary Trailblazer Status for our ongoing efforts in digital inclusion. This prestigious recognition highlights our leadership in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities across St. Louis.
Tech Access & Connectivity Highlights
We’re also excited to share key updates in tech access:
- T-Mobile x Starlink – Making affordable, reliable internet available to the community.
- Verizon Skill Up – Offering free digital courses to help individuals advance their skills and careers.
As part of our efforts, we are aligning our initiatives with the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, ensuring our work supports equitable access to technology and empowers residents to thrive in the digital age.
Community Spotlight
This month, we’re shining a light on the BGG Foundation, celebrating their impactful work and how they’re creating change in the community.
Program Updates
Here’s what’s happening with our ongoing initiatives:
- Community WiFi Rollout – Expanding internet access across St. Louis.
- Learning Labs – Helping residents improve their digital skills.
- Great Rivers Greenway Collaboration – Exploring potential collaborations to further our mission of digital equity.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss these upcoming events:
- Quarter 1 Connect STL Meeting – March 21, 2025.
- Digital Inclusion Week – October 6-10
- Data Portal & 2025 Goals – Updates coming soon.
Get Involved: Join the Movement!
Are you passionate about bridging the digital divide in St. Louis? Here’s how you can take action and support Connect STL’s mission:
- Attend Our Meetings: Join us at our upcoming Connect STL meetings to stay informed, collaborate with others, and help shape digital equity initiatives in our community.
- Spread the Word: Celebrate the power of technology by sharing stories of people using tech to improve their lives. Use the hashtag #ConnectSTL on social media to inspire others and highlight the impact of digital inclusion.
Together, we can create a more connected and equitable St. Louis! For more information, reach out to us at ColeTan@stlouis-mo.gov or follow us online.
Highlight Event: Visionary Trailblazer Status
St. Louis has been recognized as a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) for our ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide. This designation reflects the city’s dedication to ensuring all residents have equal access to technology and its opportunities.
The City of St. Louis joins 59 other municipal, county, and regional governments paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US to be named 2024 Digital Trailblazers by NDIA. The City of St. Louis specifically was named one of 34 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, the highest honor awarded by NDIA. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their government. They are leading the way in digital inclusion innovation, according to NDIA.
For more about St. Louis’ Digital Inclusion Trailblazer status, read the SLDC article here.
Tech Access & Connectivity
T-Mobile x Starlink Special Offer
Connectors, we’ve got some exciting news! T-Mobile has teamed up with Starlink to bring affordable, reliable internet to folks who really need it. If you’re in an area where traditional internet is hard to come by, this special offer might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink means you can stay connected, no matter where you are. Click HERE to read more about it!
Verizon Skill Forward: Leveling Up Together
Verizon has introduced their Skill Forward program, which is all about helping our community grow in the digital world. These free online courses are perfect for anyone looking to improve their tech skills, get certified, or take their career to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, Skill Forward has something for everyone. Learn more HERE and let’s level up together!
Community Spotlight: BGG Foundation
BGG Foundation – Bridging the Gap with Technology
We’re shining a light on the incredible work of the BGG Foundation and its founder, Robert Powell, whose commitment to empowering communities through technology is making a huge impact in St. Louis. Rob and the foundation are dedicated to closing the digital divide by providing access to digital literacy resources and offering critical support for underserved populations.
Highlight:
The BGG Foundation is making a powerful impact by empowering youth through gaming. Their programs bring technology, esports, and education together to create new opportunities for students.
Through school and corporate events, BGG introduces young people to STEM careers, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. They also host Esports tournaments, giving students a platform to showcase their talents while learning about the growing gaming industry.
BGG’s work highlights how gaming can be a gateway to tech careers and a tool for digital inclusion. Learn more at BGG Foundation.
Let’s celebrate the work they’re doing to inspire the next generation! #ConnectSTL
Program Updates
Let’s celebrate the work they’re doing to inspire the next generation! #ConnectSTL
Learning Labs Update – Tandy Recreation Center
A new Learning Lab will open this spring at Tandy Recreation Center, thanks to a partnership between BJC Foundation, Dell, and Ahead. This space will provide technology access, digital literacy programs, and career development resources for the community.
NPower, a national nonprofit specializing in IT training and career support, will staff the Learning Lab with a Digital Navigator. Learn2Tech, inspired by Boston’s Tech Goes Home initiative, will also be offered at the Learning Labs.
In addition to tech access and career support, Digital Navigators will host free workshops and small group sessions to help community members build confidence with technology. Topics include:
✅ Basic Computer Skills & Internet Safety
✅ Email Setup, Resume Building & Job Searching
✅ Digital Parenting & Family Safety
✅ Smartphone Basics (iPhone & Android)
✅ Intro to Social Media & Best Web Browsing Practices
✅ Hybrid Work & Google Suite Essentials
…and more!
Technology Labs will also be launching at Marquette, Wohl, and 12th & Park recreation centers, installing SLDC-provided computers, software, and internet access.
STL Community WiFi Expands
The STL Community WiFi initiative continues to grow! We are proud to announce that free WiFi is now available in the following parks:
- Amberg Park
- Fox Park
- Gravois Park
- Gregory J. Carter Park
- Ivory Perry Park
- Loretta Hall Park
- Tilles Park
WiFi coverage also extends along the Martin Luther King Corridor, from Grand to Kienlen. Phase 2 of the project will begin this spring, adding WiFi to the Gateway Mall area and additional city parks.
Collaborating on Future Digital Infrastructure
In 2025, the City of St. Louis will be working with Great Rivers Greenway on potential collaborations along the Brickline Greenway. This project aims to provide more access to our communities, enabling more residents to benefit from the services and resources that are essential for success in today’s world.
Upcoming Events
Join Us for Our Next Coalition Meeting!
📅 Date: March 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Trolley Room, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO
Our first coalition meeting of 2025 will be an opportunity to reflect on our progress, set new goals, and discuss expansion strategies. We invite all stakeholders, partners, and community members to join us in shaping the future of digital equity in St. Louis.
A Look Back at 2024: The Year of Building Connections
Over the past year, ConnectSTL made significant strides in bridging the digital divide by bringing together leaders, advocates, and organizations committed to digital equity. Through a series of coalition meetings, we provided a space for collaboration, resource-sharing, and actionable planning to advance digital inclusion efforts in St. Louis.
📌 2024 Coalition Meeting Highlights:
✅ February – Delmar Divine (Q1)
✅ May – World Wide Technology (Q2)
✅ September – Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (Q3)
✅ December – St. Louis Public Library (Q4)
These meetings featured key stakeholders, industry experts, and community leaders, discussing solutions for expanding digital access, inclusion, and education. From networking to resource-building, each session helped lay the foundation for real change.
What’s Next: Expanding Reach & Enhancing Impact
With several digital initiatives now in place—such as community Wi-Fi and community help desks—we are shifting our focus to:
📊 Gathering data to measure impact & identify gaps
📡 Expanding outreach to underserved communities
📅 Planning future programs for long-term success
🛠 Optimizing existing resources to ensure sustainability
Additionally, we are excited to introduce our Advisory Team, which will serve as the Navigating Team of the Coalition, guiding strategic efforts for growth and expansion.
📸 Take a look at some of the pictures below for a recap of our 2024 meetings and a snapshot of the work being done!
Digital Inclusion Week – October 6-10, 2025
This October, St. Louis will celebrate Digital Inclusion Week. We’ll be highlighting the Visionary Digital Trailblazer Award we received, along with hosting events and discussions aimed at promoting digital equity. Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate!
Looking Ahead: ConnectSTL’s Focus for 2025
As we move into 2025, ConnectSTL is doubling down on our mission to bridge the digital divide and create a more connected, inclusive St. Louis. This year, our focus is on expanding digital access, empowering community advocates, and strengthening partnerships to serve covered populations effectively.
Key Priorities for 2025
Expanding the Community Wi-Fi Program
We’re increasing the number of free public Wi-Fi locations across St. Louis, ensuring more residents—especially those in underserved neighborhoods—have reliable, high-speed internet access where they live, learn, and work.
Filling Key Roles in the Digital Champion Program
We are actively recruiting Digital Champions—community advocates trained to help individuals develop essential digital skills. These Champions will provide hands-on tech support, digital literacy training, and device assistance at ConnectSTL events, Wi-Fi rollout sites, and partner locations throughout the city.
Serving Covered Populations
Our work focuses on covered populations as defined by federal digital equity guidelines, including:
- Low-income households who lack affordable internet access.
- Aging individuals who need support adapting to digital technology.
- Incarcerated & formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society.
- Persons with disabilities who require assistive technology.
- English language learners who need accessible digital resources.
- Veterans transitioning into civilian careers with digital skills training.
- Rural and urban communities with historically limited broadband access.
Developing the Digital Equity Data Portal
Launching in 2025, this one-stop online hub will connect residents to local digital resources, training programs, free or low-cost devices, and tech support services. The goal is to streamline access to essential tools and information for individuals and organizations.
Strengthening Partnerships & Building Capacity
We’re working closely with local organizations, city leaders, and industry partners to increase investment in digital inclusion efforts. By fostering new collaborations, we aim to scale up digital equity initiatives and secure sustainable funding to keep these programs thriving.
How You Can Get Involved
We’re looking for Digital Champions, community partners, and YOU! If you or your organization want to be part of this movement, reach out to Tanjii Cole at coletan@stlouis-mo.gov.
Together, we’re making St. Louis a national leader in digital equity!
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners
A special thank you to our sponsors for the ConnectSTL Summit and Quarterly Meetings. Your support helps us advance digital equity in St. Louis.
We also want to thank all of our partners, including Verizon, Microsoft, World Wide Technology, The Delmar Divine, The Urban League and St. Louis Public Library for their dedication to digital inclusion.
Stay Connected!
Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates on ConnectSTL’s efforts and events in St. Louis.
Contact Us
For more information or to get involved, reach out to:
Email: coletan@stlouis-mo.gov