For the third straight year, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Newark as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, acknowledging the city’s 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, Newark continues in its efforts toward digital equity.Â
“It is so encouraging to see that Newark achieved Trailblazer Digital Inclusion status in three areas that serve as a snapshot of our city’s cultural profile: multi-faceted collaboration in all efforts; resident participation in data collection; and a next-level studio where youth can weave their own musical and video talents into Newark’s long-standing artistic legacy,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
“These important accomplishments are overlaid onto Newark’s ongoing trajectory toward equality and equity, which cannot be achieved until every resident has affordable Internet access and connectability.”
The digital divide in the state reflects disparities in Internet access, device availability, and especially digital skills. These gaps disproportionately affect low‑income households, racial and ethnic minorities, older adults and women.
A Rutgers University New Jersey State Policy Lab report in 2023 found that about 14% of Black and 13% Hispanic population in households in New Jersey do not have access to the Internet and a computer, compared with 9% of White households in New Jersey. About one quarter of all households in Newark (23%), Camden (23%) and Trenton (26%) lack access to the internet.
The National Skills Coalition said a major part of New Jersey’s digital divide is not just access, but skills: 90% of jobs in New Jersey require at least some digital skills; 49% of jobs definitely require digital skills; 45% likely require digital skills; only 8% of jobs require no digital skills.
In July 2025, the New Jersey Department of Labor awarded $6 million to seven community organizations to address the digital divide.
“By supporting digital inclusion initiatives, we are giving residents support as they build their ladder into the innovation economy and beyond,” said Aaron Meyerson, chief innovation economy officer and director of broadband at Invest Newark and Newark Alliance.
“We’re also focused on ensuring the city’s booming real estate growth is well connected and enables residents and businesses to thrive. Creating a smart city starts with supporting smart people and building smart buildings.”
This year, Newark 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.”
Newark achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through new initiatives including:
- Awarded the “Best IT Collaboration” by the 2025 New Jersey Excellence in Technology Awards. The partnership between the City of Newark, Invest Newark, Newark Alliance, YouthBuild Global, NetTarius, Avatar Tech and the Newark Workforce Development Board connected Hope Village 2, a home for residents without addresses. The City of Newark donated refurbished city equipment to the shelter and residents received digital skills training and job search support on the devices. The devices were provided for free and refurbished by Newark youth as part of a workforce development program.
- Launched a Broadband Development Survey used in the permitting process for new developments to encourage real estate developers to plan for quality, competitive internet options and infrastructure.Â
- Opened the Ronald L. Rice Arts Center West for Youth Exploration of Arts and Music, which included recording studios, video editing and computers to foster youth empowerment through creative use of technology.
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.
