Connect Westchester, a Westchester County digital equity initiative to provide services to those in need, announced that an independent cost-benefit analysis of the program revealed a $4.16 million economic impact for services delivered between 2023 and 2025. The program, led primarily by The STEM Alliance in partnership with Westchester County Association, deploys a corps of digital navigators who assist high-need residents with devices, basic computer skills, and assistance enrolling in free/affordable internet.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Advancing digital equity is a priority for Westchester County. Our investment in Connect Westchester is a commitment to providing access to infrastructure and assets that allow residents in need to connect with virtual learning, work, and other opportunities that improve their quality of life and economic self-sufficiency. We are incredibly proud of both the community and economic impact of Connect Westchester, and thank The STEM Alliance and Westchester County Association for their leadership in program implementation.”

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “We are living in a digital-first world. Westchester residents need access to free/affordable internet, devices, and computer skills training to access everything from telehealth appointments to online education and employment. This program demonstrates that when individuals have access to the necessary resources to improve skills – in this case, digital literacy – they are not only eager to learn but give back by making a greater impact in their own communities and employment.”

The economic analysis of Connect Westchester, conducted by Camoin Associates, found that the County’s $1.5 million investment in the program yielded a return of $4 for every $1 invested. The Camoin analysis provided further details on the program’s impact across three key areas:

●Devices and Digital Skills: 1,308 Chromebooks distributed and 1,058 residents trained in digital literacy

●Healthcare Access: An estimated 1,623 residents used online health services, resulting in $282,000 to $355,000 in avoided medical and time-related costs

●Household Income Gains: $3.05 million in projected seven-year earnings increases for 1,208 families

Returns accelerated significantly over time, rising from $1.46 per dollar invested in 2023 to $4.69 per dollar in 2025, demonstrating that the model strengthens as residents deepen their digital participation.

The STEM Alliance President, Meg Käufer, said: “The independent Camoin study confirms what our communities have long told us—Connect Westchester works, and it delivers real economic dividends for Westchester County. This is not about luxury. This is digital equity as an economic strategy that makes it possible for all residents to participate in our digitally driven world.”

Westchester County Association President & CEO Michael Romita said: “This analysis validates what the business community has long understood—digital connectivity is foundational to a strong regional economy. At WCA, we believe digital inclusion makes our regional talent pool more robust and future-ready, and Connect Westchester proves that these investments deliver real, measurable economic value.”

The findings coincide with the announcement that, for the second consecutive year, Westchester County has earned national recognition as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). NDIA’s Trailblazer recognition honors regional governments that are paving the way and providing models of excellence by building digitally inclusive communities. Trailblazers provide models to aspire to, demonstrating how local governments can support their own digital inclusion ecosystems and ensure that all residents are tech adopters in today’s digital-driven world.

County leaders and partners emphasize that the findings reinforce digital equity as a core economic development and workforce strategy. As federal digital literacy programs subside, the analysis underscores the importance of sustained local, state, and private investment in proven models like Connect Westchester that drive measurable economic returns. These programs demonstrate how coordinated access to technical skills and devices strengthens long-term regional resilience.

###

About Connect Westchester

Connect Westchester is Westchester County’s countywide digital equity initiative, led in partnership with The STEM Alliance and the Westchester County Association. The program provides residents with devices, affordable internet access, and digital skills training through a network of trusted community organizations, strengthening economic mobility, health access, and workforce participation.

About The STEM Alliance

The STEM Alliance is a nonprofit organization creating a network of STEM learning opportunities. With STEM jobs (in science, technology, engineering, and math) expanding at an accelerated pace, there is high demand for skilled graduates. The STEM Alliance is growing the next generation of STEM leaders by creating a community where all are empowered to embrace STEM as a means of solving problems and fostering innovation.

About Westchester County Association

The Westchester County Association is the most influential professional membership organization in Westchester and the surrounding region. We unite professional leaders to advance issues and lead initiatives that strengthen our regional economy. Our mission is to drive Westchester’s economic vitality, stimulate new business development and job creation, and provide our members with the resources and talent they need to grow. For more information about the Westchester County Association, visit www.westchester.org.



Source link