ELEVATE

MACIR Inc

ELEVATE

ELEVATE: Enhancing Literacy & Empowerment for Valued Access to Technology and Education

Boston, MA, USA

United States

Nonprofit

Millions of low-income, multilingual, and digitally disconnected individuals rely on public libraries for internet access, devices, and basic digital literacy—yet most libraries lack the resources, staff training, and infrastructure to meet this growing demand. In the U.S. alone, 42 million people lack access to high-speed broadband, and nearly 1 in 3 adults struggle with essential digital skills, disproportionately affecting immigrants, seniors, and low-income families. This challenge has been magnified by the current freeze in digital equity funding, which has left local institutions like libraries scrambling to fill the gap without sustainable tools. ELEVATE directly addresses this crisis by transforming public libraries into self-sufficient digital equity hubs without requiring additional staff or costly software. We’re solving for the inequity in access to digital tools, training, and services that prevents millions from participating in the modern economy—whether applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, or pursuing education. Globally, over 2.6 billion people remain offline, with underserved populations facing similar challenges. Our model, built in Massachusetts and designed to scale, addresses a universal need for inclusive, community-based digital empowerment.

ELEVATE—Essential Literacy and Empowerment for Valued Access to Technology and Education—is a cloud-based digital equity platform that empowers public libraries to deliver essential tech support, digital literacy, and community services without needing new staff or expensive software. Designed to integrate with systems already used by libraries (like SirsiDynix Symphony and Evergreen ILS), ELEVATE transforms frontline staff into trained Digital Navigators who can guide patrons through services such as device lending, job application support, digital skills training, and referrals for housing, food, or healthcare. Key features include: A centralized service request hub Integration with ESOL learning tools Personalized career coaching tied to local training and job pathways A device and internet access portal Real-time multilingual interpretation in 380+ languages ELEVATE also helps libraries upgrade to Windows 11, supporting device longevity and cybersecurity. Built on the award-winning JEDI model piloted in Massachusetts, ELEVATE is currently piloted at Lawrence Public Library and is scalable across entire consortia. It operates on a low to no subscription cost model, making it especially valuable during the current freeze on federal digital equity funding.

ELEVATE serves individuals who are digitally marginalized—particularly low-income residents, immigrants, non-native English speakers, seniors, and job seekers who rely on public libraries as their only access point to technology and support. Many of these individuals face barriers such as limited internet access, outdated devices, low digital literacy, and language obstacles that prevent them from fully participating in the modern economy. These patrons often turn to libraries for help but are met with overburdened staff, inconsistent resources, and no centralized support system. Without intervention, they risk being left behind in areas like employment, education, healthcare access, and civic engagement. ELEVATE transforms this reality by empowering existing library staff to act as Digital Navigators using a streamlined, multilingual platform. Patrons gain access to: Free or low-cost internet and devices Digital skills and ESOL training Personalized job coaching Real-time language interpretation Referrals for food, housing, and healthcare By meeting people where they are—at their trusted local library—ELEVATE fosters digital inclusion, boosts economic opportunity, and promotes long-term community resilience, especially in regions most affected by the federal digital equity funding freeze.