St. Louis Recognized as a National Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer
The City of St. Louis has been officially named a 2025 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) — one of only 34 communities nationwide to receive this top distinction. This acknowledgement celebrates St. Louis’s ongoing leadership in driving digital equity and ensuring all residents have access to the tools, training, and connections needed to thrive in a 21st-century economy.
This is the second year in a row St. Louis has earned Trailblazer recognition — a testament to our city’s long-standing commitment to closing the digital divide and expanding opportunity for all.
What This Means
Being named a Visionary Trailblazer means St. Louis has successfully integrated digital inclusion deeply into city planning and community impact initiatives. The award recognizes cities that are not only expanding access to technology but building sustainable systems so residents, businesses, and organizations are truly connected.
This national honor places St. Louis among the leaders shaping how communities across the U.S. approach digital equity.
Key Achievements Highlighted by NDIA
St. Louis earned this recognition through impactful programs that remove barriers to digital access:
Free Community Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is now available in seven parks and growing — from Dr. Martin Luther King Drive to downtown’s Gateway Mall.
Digital Learning Labs & Navigators: Three city rec centers and the Northside Economic Empowerment Center now offer digital skills training and personalized support.
Learn2Tech Program: Provides students with laptops and Wi-Fi service for a full year upon completion of the course.
St. Louis Digital Inclusion Action Plan: A comprehensive strategy built in partnership with the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) and community stakeholders to ensure connectivity for all.
These programs are all featured in more detail on the Connect STL Portal.
Why Digital Inclusion Matters
In today’s world, digital access isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. High-speed internet, devices, and digital skills are essential for education, employment, healthcare navigation, and civic participation. NDIA’s Trailblazer recognition highlights St. Louis’s forward-thinking model and serves as inspiration for other communities advancing digital equity.
Explore all of St. Louis’s digital inclusion programs — including free Wi-Fi zones, learning labs, and pathways to skills development — right here on the Connect STL Portal.
Mayor Cara Spencer on the Recognition
“I’m proud of our St. Louis team for earning this recognition for our city and for doing great work for years to make digital tools available to all St. Louisans. This work makes a real difference, opening doors to opportunity and making St. Louisans’ lives easier.”
Get Connected
Find free Wi-Fi hotspots, training classes, and digital resources across St. Louis.
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