Hopkins, MN – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Hopkins as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing Hopkins' efforts to close the digital divide.
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, the City of Hopkins continues in its efforts towards digital equity.
This year, the City joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.
“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.”
Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. The City of Hopkins achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative.
The Hopkins Digital Access Initiative is a community coalition with a goal of ensuring all Hopkins community members are equipped to confidently and safely navigate the digital world. This effort arises from a simple reality: using technology is part of everyday life, and without the right tools, skills, or confidence, people face real barriers to jobs, services, and connection with friends, family and community. The Initiative is taking action by creating a community-driven digital access plan to expand digital learning opportunities and technology support. In 2025, input was gathered from community members through a survey, listening sessions and pop-ups at Hopkins events. This input will help guide the next phase: collaborative planning to identify priorities and develop customized solutions for Hopkins. Learn more about the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative and share ideas, comments or suggestions at www.hopkinsdigitalaccess.org.
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.
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About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with over 2000 affiliates, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.