Cook County Named One of Nation’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers for 2025

Chicago –The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named Cook County Government a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the County’s continued leadership and commitment to closing the digital divide.

This marks the third consecutive year Cook County has received national recognition from NDIA, underscoring sustained progress and long-term investment in digital equity initiatives that expand access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training for residents.

Digital inclusion — access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training, is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, Cook County continues advancing policies, partnerships, and programs designed to ensure all residents can fully participate in the digital economy.

“Digital access is not a luxury — it is a necessity,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “From applying for jobs and accessing healthcare to supporting our students and seniors, reliable internet access is essential to daily life. Being recognized once again as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer affirms Cook County’s commitment to expand access so that every resident, regardless of zip code, income, or background, has the tools and connectivity needed to fully participate in today’s digital world.”

This year, Cook County joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the United States.

“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can’t reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands-on deck,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA Executive Director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program exemplifies the key role of local governments in building digital opportunities for all of their residents.”

Building on its 2024 recognition and the continued implementation of its Digital Equity Action Plan, Cook County advanced and expanded digital equity initiatives in 2025 through strategic investments and cross-sector collaboration.

Cook County’s continued status as a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer highlights initiatives such as:

• Cook County advanced digital equity policy and implementation through collaboration with the Council of Digital Equity (CODE) and the Digital Equity Action Committee (DEAC), alongside DEAC Regional Co-Chairs Martha Karavitis (Harper Community College) and Librarian/Library Consultant Kimberly Harris.
• Cook County entities donated 877 computers and 93,292 pounds of e-waste to PCs for People for refurbishment and redistribution, advancing an IMPACT recommendation in the County’s Digital Equity Action Plan to increase access to high-quality devices.
• During Digital Inclusion Week 2025, Cook County hosted 111 events with 41 partner organizations, engaging more than 2,400 attendees, delivering 3,200 learning hours, and distributing 150 devices in collaboration with libraries, community organizations, and institutions.
• Cook County hosted Access Amplified, its inaugural Digital Equity Learning Symposium, convening nearly 250 cross-sector leaders to advance community-driven digital equity solutions and present the inaugural Amplifier Awards, recognizing leadership across the four cornerstones of Safety, Access, Infrastructure, and Confidence.
• Continuing its partnership with City Bureau, Cook County announced the second round of the Digital Equity IMPACT Small Grants Program, awarding five Boost ($7,500), nine Empowerment ($15,000), and one Horizon ($30,000) grants to support storytelling for community-based, scalable broadband, and digital equity initiatives.
• The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved $850,000 to establish a Digital Navigator Network in suburban Cook County libraries in partnership with RAILS, including a Mini-Pilot offering up to 31 non-competitive $2,000 awards to under-resourced libraries ahead of a 2026 network launch.

The Trailblazer program identifies seven categories of current best practices. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.