Save the Date: Digital Discovery Fair
Explore. Learn. Connect.
 Saturday, October 10, 2026
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Arlington Central Library
The Digital Equity Initiative invites everyone to join us for this free community event! At the County's first Digital Discovery Fair, residents of all ages and skill levels can explore emerging technology, build digital skills, connect with local resources, and receive personalized technology support, all in one place.
The fair will be structured around the follow sections:
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Connect – Chat with local organizations offering digital skills training and affordable access to the internet and devices
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Learn – Attend presentations and hands-on workshops
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Play – Tech Petting Zoo – Try out technology and tools
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Get Help – Tech Help Bar – Get friendly one-on-one support; BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and bring your questions!
Exhibitors and presenters include House Call Tech – at-home tech support to help seniors navigate the digital world; the Cyber Bytes Foundation and its AI Mobile Unit, an interactive tech showcase; community organizations Edu-Futuro and the English Empowerment Center; Arlington Public Library and the County's Education and Employment Program (REEP – learn more from this month's Coalition Member Spotlight below); Dr. Barbara Fillip, a writer, consultant, and teacher working at the intersection of aging, technology, and knowledge stewardship; Cool Slash Scary AI; and Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Director of the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) and Senior Fellow – Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and author of Digitally Invisible: How the Internet Is Creating the New Underclass.
**Interested in exhibiting, giving a presentation, or hosting a workshop? See the Call for Proposals!**
Learn more at arlingtonva.us/digitaldiscoveryfair.
A Step Forward for Digital Equity: Federal Funding Program Partially Reinstated
In May 2025, the federal government terminated the Digital Equity Act grant programs, disrupting a historic $2.75 billion federal investment in helping communities expand digital access, affordability, skills, and participation. Advocates challenged the termination in court.
This summer, a federal court ruled that the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program can move forward. The ruling clears the way for the program to be restored, although additional steps and implementation decisions are needed before funding becomes available. While it doesn’t resolve all uncertainty surrounding the program, the ruling represents a meaningful step forward.
Arlington County will continue to monitor developments at the federal level and look for opportunities to strengthen digital equity locally. In the meantime, our commitment remains: building a community where everyone has the tools, skills, and support needed to participate in our digital world.
Coalition Member Spotlight
REEP: Building Digital Confidence, One Lesson at a Time
Most adults can tap and swipe their way around a smartphone and get by in their everyday lives. But students at the Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP) often face language and digital literacy barriers that keep them from moving beyond day-to-day survival to reach their personal and professional goals.
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As Arlington County’s main provider of English instruction for over 50 years, REEP understands that digital literacy skills are a necessary part of an English and life skills curriculum. That’s why instruction in the beginning through advanced levels in the intensive English classes includes regular use of laptops for activities that apply language and skills training, such as exploring public health services, planning a trip to the library, filling in an online job application, and even practicing conversation with an AI chat tool. Teachers also blend phone apps into instruction, making the use of digital tools a constant thread in the classroom; what students practice on a screen carries straight into their daily routines.
 Students can also take REEP's free basic digital skills classes and earn certifications in a wide range of areas like Internet Basics, Google Apps, Microsoft Office, and Information Literacy. The number of students earning certifications has climbed steadily over the years – a sign that students recognize the need to build a broader set of skills.
A recent collaboration with Connected Nation brought Basic Computer, Internet, and Cybersecurity Skills trainers into the English classroom while REEP teachers provided the language and life skills learning. As a result, nearly 100 students earned Basic Computer, Internet, and Cybersecurity Basic Skills certifications.
Additionally, students ready to go beyond the basics can take REEP's English and Workplace Computer Skills class, which pairs practical workplace communication with real-life projects and prepares students to sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exam.
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REEP's instructional model mirrors what the Digital Equity Initiative is working toward Countywide: equipping residents not just with devices and connectivity, but with the durable, practical skills to use them with confidence. |
REEP’s fall classes are starting soon! Visit reep.apsva.us to see the full class schedule and submit an Interest Form for placement testing.
Have questions or want to partner with REEP? Reach out to Digital Equity Coalition member Michele Cona at michele.cona@apsva.us.
Spread the Word & Stay Informed
Know any neighbors, friends, or colleagues who might be interested in Arlington County’s Digital Equity Initiative? Forward this newsletter and invite them to subscribe using this link.
Find news and info about the Initiative and its milestones, plus continuously updated lists of resources, on the Digital Equity Initiative Homepage.
For more updates about Community Planning, Housing and Development in Arlington County, including announcements from the Digital Equity Initiative, follow Plan Arlington VA on X (Twitter).
Questions or ideas? Contact us at DigitalEquity@arlingtonva.us.
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