The City of Vacaville has been recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) as a 2025 Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, the highest distinction awarded through NDIA’s annual Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program.

Vacaville earned 19 out of a possible 23 points, placing the City among a select group of communities nationwide that have demonstrated a deep, organization-wide commitment to digital inclusion. The Visionary designation is reserved for communities that have fully integrated digital inclusion strategies across government operations, services, and community engagement.

The Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program evaluates local governments on their efforts to ensure residents have access to affordable, reliable broadband, internet-enabled devices, digital skills training, and accessible online services. Vacaville’s recognition reflects years of intentional investment in digital access, equity-centered service delivery, and modernized public engagement.

Vacaville’s digital inclusion efforts support residents across a wide range of needs, including access to online City services, digital literacy, language accessibility, and technology resources that strengthen workforce readiness and community resilience.

For more information about the Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program, visit the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

View and download the press release.

Broadband Access & Adoption 

Goals:

• Assist the community in establishing connections by showcasing and promoting the different agencies that offer free public Internet access and computer labs across the City of Vacaville.
• Facilitate access to Internet discount programs for residents.
• Explore developing outdoor community computer labs to enhance digital accessibility.

Internet Discount Programs

AT&T and Comcast each currently offer Internet discounts to eligible Vacaville residents.

• AT&T's Access

Access from AT&T offers affordable internet service for qualifying households. The package includes Wi-Fi and installation at no additional cost, with no equipment fees, no deposit, and no annual contract required.

Residents can obtain internet service for $30 per month with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Additionally, if eligible, residents may save $20 per month on fiber plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps.

• Comcast - Internet Essentials

Internet Essentials offers affordable home internet for eligible households, with plans at $14.95 per month for speeds up to 75 Mbps or $29.95 per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps. The program also includes low-cost computers, complimentary Wi-Fi hotspots, and free internet training.

Free Connectivity in Vacaville

The City and various non-profit agencies provide free public Internet at parks, rec centers, libraries, and outdoor areas throughout Vacaville.  The map below was created to help the community find locations nearby with free Wifi.

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California LifeLine 

The California LifeLine program offers expanded broadband support through two important initiatives aimed at improving digital access across the state. The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program is a three-year, technology-neutral pilot launching in 2026 that allows eligible households to apply LifeLine subsidies to any qualifying internet plan that meets minimum service standards. This program builds on California LifeLine’s long-standing role in providing affordable voice service while helping close the broadband affordability gap.

Additionally, the California LifeLine Foster Youth Program expands access to free or low-cost communication services for current and former foster youth statewide, supporting their education, employment, and connection to essential resources. The City encourages residents to visit the California LifeLine website to learn more about eligibility, participation, and application instructions.

Hardware Devices

Goals

• Research and promote programs that provide free or affordable computers.
• Highlight the City of Vacaville's "Chromebook Kits," which include Wi-Fi hotspot kits.

Computers for Classrooms

Offers affordable systems across the state to eligible individuals, including low-income families, veterans, students receiving financial aid, and other qualifying persons.  Visit ComputersforClassrooms.org for more information.

Computers with Causes

The organization accepts donated computers and various other items, providing them free of charge to eligible residents in the United States. Eligibility is determined through an online application process, with priority given to students, teachers, and military veterans.  Visit ComputerswithCauses.org for more information.

Give Technology

The organization offers computers and other electronic devices to a diverse group of individuals in need. It is one of the few organizations dedicated to providing low-income, disabled individuals with accessible technology to meet their needs.  Visit GiveTechnology.org for more information.

PC's for People

A national non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota, provides refurbished desktops starting at $75 and refurbished laptops beginning at $100. The organization aims to bridge the digital divide by offering affordable technology solutions to individuals and families in need. They also offer a variety of other electronic devices and provide technical support and training to help recipients make the most of their equipment.  Visit PCsforPeople.org for more information.

The "On It" Foundation

Aims to provide low-income families with children access to PCs or laptops, along with comprehensive training to help students stay engaged and succeed in their educational pursuits.  Visit TheOnItFoundation.org for more information.

Digital Literacy and Skills

Goals

• Develop fundamental digital literacy and skill standards.
• Encourage the use of available training resources.

The objective is to ensure individuals possess the necessary skills and confidence to independently utilize technology. How do we define basic digital skills? Based on research conducted by the UK government and other sources, basic digital literacy is categorized into four main areas. Individuals with fundamental digital skills should be able to perform the following activities:

• Communicate Online
  • Send and receive emails
  • Purchase items or services via websites
• Find Things Online
  • Use a search engines
  • Navigate with a web browser
• Share Personal Information Online
  • Complete online application forms (i.e. job application, access to government services, etc.)
  • Adjust privacy settings
• Maintain Online Safety
  • Install applications on devices
  • Download and upload files
  • Recognize and delete SPAM
  • Assess the trustworthiness of websites

 

Regional Collaboration

Goals

• Collaborate with Solano County to offer free digital literacy courses to the community.
• Support related Solano County and neighboring cities' initiatives and outcomes related to digital inclusion.
• Continue attending regional meetings to strengthen partnerships by providing support with promoting and sharing digital inclusion best practices and resources.