Find low-cost internet, affordable devices, and free classes to build your tech skills. Washington County’s Digital Access page helps you get connected and feel confident online, whether you’re just starting out or looking to learn more.
Affordable Devices
WCCLS Library of Things
The Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) partners with local libraries to offer free access to laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots and more through its WCCLS Library of Things program. Explore the full catalog to find what you need: Search the Washington County Cooperative Library Services BiblioCommons.
Free Geek
Free Geek: This Portland-based nonprofit organization safely refurbishes locally donated technology and gives it back to the community at little or no cost to help people gain the digital literacy skills they need to succeed and thrive.
- Free Geek Portland eBay Store: This eBay store primarily sells low-cost computers, monitors, printers, networking equipment, and a variety of computer parts. All items in Free Geek’s eBay Shop are eligible for free local pick-up.
- Affordable Tech program Application: This application is for organizations requesting affordable technology for internal use or on behalf of the community members they serve.
- Donate your device to Free Geek: Public drop-offs of technology donations are accepted Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the organization’s parking lot on the northeast side of their building at 1731 SE 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214.
PCs for People
PCs for People: This national nonprofit social enterprise works to get low-cost, quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income.
- Before completing an order, PCs for People Eligibility criteria includes photo identification and income documentation.
- PCs for People Online Store: Affordable laptops and desktop computers, internet solutions and tech accessories. To purchase a device, you must currently be enrolled in a government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines or 60% of the area median income).
- Computers for nonprofit organizations: PCs for People works with nonprofits, schools, museums, housing authorities, and other community organizations across the country to provide low-cost technology. Community Organizations must meet certain eligibility requirements to purchase technology from PCs for People.
Digital Skills Training
Find local organizations that offer digital literacy classes, including schedules and registration processes.
Adelante Mujeres
- Adelante Mujeres provides holistic education and empowerment opportunities to marginalized Latina women and families to ensure full participation and active leadership in the community. Check their upcoming schedule for Basic Computer Classes – Digital Skills for Life (DS4L).
Portland Community College
- Portland Community College Digital Literacy: Access classes and workshops, skill-building courses, and other community resources.
YourTech Q
- YourTech Q is a youth-led non-profit organization that strives to educate different communities on tech usage and accessibility and bridge the digital divide through free one-on-one instruction and training workshops, primarily with older adults. You can find a list of areas YourTechQ currently serves on their main webpage.
Senior Tech Pals
- Senior Tech Pals holds workshops and offers individual support through local libraries and senior centers to provide digital skills training. In Washington County they provide their services at the Cornelius Public Library, Hillsboro Community Senior Center and Beaverton Public Library.
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (TPHRD)
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (TPHRD) offers hundreds of classes, camps and clinics for people of all ages. Search their linked calendar for computer classes.
- Wake Up! Beaverton strives to create a physical environment for racial, cultural, spiritual and language-diverse communities in order to distribute assets and resources and to have spaces that provide educational opportunities and activities in partnership with the City of Beaverton and established community stakeholders.
- Learn the basics of using and navigating a computer, email, cybersecurity and the internet by enrolling in their Tech Savvy courses.
Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS)
- Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) partners with local public libraries to connect people to life-changing library services to create a curious, engaged and literate community where everyone is welcome and thrives.
- Search their events catalogue for digital skills training offered at different libraries – Computer/Technology Classes at WCCLS
- Make an appointment with a digital navigator
- Drop-in Tech Help
- Clases de Computación en español
- Shute Park Library – Clases de Computación en español
Free online certified skills trainings
- Free online certified skills trainings to support career growth (Google, Microsoft, Intel, etc.)
Subsidized or low-cost high-speed internet plans
- Find an Internet Service Provider in your area – BroadbandNow
- Hillsboro HiLight! is a high-speed fiber broadband internet service provided by the city of Hillsboro to meet the needs of Hillsboro residents and businesses.
- Income Qualified Bridge Plan – 1 Gigabit internet speed for $10 a month
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Honor Roll of Low-Cost Internet Plans
- Everyone On – Low-Cost Offers Page
- LifeLine Assistance Program – Free government cell phone service with high-speed data
Oregon LifeLine Internet Discount Service
Oregon LifeLine Internet Discount Service – Up to $15.25 discount on your phone service or up to $19.25 discount on high-speed internet bill with participating provider in area.
- Discount Application
- What to Expect After Applying: Oregon Lifeline will verify your eligibility and confirm you are not already receiving Lifeline service from another service provider. Once verified, you will receive a letter in the mail indicating the status of your application. If your application is approved, expect up to 60 days from the time your application was submitted to notice the discount on your phone or broadband bill.
Internet Speed Test Websites
Glossary
Broadband refers to:
- Digital telecommunications infrastructure, wireless or wireline technologies that enable high-speed data exchange.
- The actual use of broadband technologies, including subscriptions and digital skills needed to operate a physical broadband connection.
- A federal policy framework that oversees physical infrastructure and related programs, encompassing the regulatory policies and frameworks established by federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
Coordinator refers to a person or group responsible for organizing and managing different parts of a project or activity, ensuring everything runs smoothly and tasks are completed on time.
Convenor refers to a person or group who initiates and brings people together for a meeting, discussion, or collaborative effort, acting as the primary organizer to get everyone involved.
Device a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.
Digital Access refers to the ability of individuals or groups to access and effectively utilize digital technologies and resources. This includes access to the internet, computers, smartphones, software, and digital services.
Digital Divide refers to the gap created by unequal access to modern telecommunications technology among different demographic groups and regions.
Digital Navigators are trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
Digital Inclusion refers to activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). It consists of five elements:
- Affordable, robust broadband internet service.
- Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user.
- Access to digital literacy training
- Quality technical support
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.
About
This Digital Access Resource webpage was developed in collaboration with Washington County’s Broadband Action Team–a network of community-based organizations, internet service providers and local government agencies. It serves as a centralized hub for digital inclusion tools, services and programs in and around Washington County and aims to make it easier for digital inclusion practitioners to find the resources needed in our community. If you have a resource that aligns with the County’s Broadband Investment Strategy or would like to provide feedback on this resource webpage, please email us at [email protected].