The Expanding Digital Literacy (EDL) grant program will enable New Jersey public libraries to teach digital skills and provide access to technology in communities with high need.
About the Grant Opportunity
As core services become available online only, the ability to use technology confidently is increasingly important. People rely on these tools to apply for jobs, access healthcare, engage in civic life and events, and participate in education. Libraries are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap and empower community members to participate fully in today’s digital world.
Selected projects will increase confidence and technology skills in participants, with a focus on underserved populations, including seniors, English language learners, low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and others as identified by the applicant. Expanding Digital Literacy supports the implementation of programs that provide training on topics such as the use of digital tools, accessing information, avoiding scams, and protecting privacy. Funded projects can also focus on digital skills for specific purposes, such as workforce development, entrepreneurship, telehealth, or financial literacy.
This grant is intended for libraries in the early stages of developing digital skills programs. In addition to receiving funding, grantees will be invited to participate in monthly cohort meetings to exchange ideas, share promising practices, and provide feedback.
Expanding Digital Literacy Grant Award Recipients Announced
The NJ State Library has selected 5 projects to receive grant awards.
Asbury Park Public Library – Digital Readiness Program
Through this digital literacy training program for adults, participants will learn foundational computer skills, including PC use, internet, email, and Windows 11 basics. The program will also provide monthly job preparation clinics focused on creating resumes and submitting online applications.
Atlantic County Library System – Digital Literacy Lab
The library will launch a Digital Literacy Lab to provide training and technology for county residents. The Digital Literacy Lab will offer regular workshops on job readiness and computer literacy, entrepreneurship training through the Small Business Development Center, and individualized one-on-one coaching.
Carteret Free Public Library – Carteret Seniors: What You Need to Learn about the Internet, Computers, Technology, and Safety
This program will bridge the digital divide for Carteret’s senior population through training and access to technology. The library will offer weekly two-hour seminars for seniors, covering topics such as basic internet and computer skills, online safety and privacy, and tools for online banking, health, and entertainment.
Elizabeth Public Library – EPL Digital Bridge
Elizabeth residents will have access to free, bilingual digital skills training in a dedicated computer lab. The program will include monthly workshops, multi-week classes, and one-on-one Digital Help Desk appointments.
Jersey City Free Public Library – Digital Jumpstart: Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital Jumpstart will be a citywide, multilingual program offering digital literacy courses in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Multi-session courses and learning resources will integrate practical, everyday digital skills with ESL and workforce readiness offerings.
EDL Guidelines
Detailed guidelines are provided here, to read or download, in PDF format, to help applicants navigate the process.
EDL Application
The application deadline closed on September 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications were submitted in Foundant, our grants management system:
A PDF copy is available below for download.
Application Attachments
Download the files below, in order to use the fillable forms.
- Form A: Budget Summary Form (Excel)
- Form B: LSTA Subgrant Assurances and Certifications (PDF)
- Form C: Resolution to Apply (PDF)
EDL Grant Application Questions
Applicants with questions in advance of the due date may may email them to grants@njstatelib.org with the subject title “Expanding Digital Literacy” until September 5, 2025.
Answers will be posted beginning on August 12, 2025 and ending September 9, 2025.
EDL Informational Webinar – August 7, 2025
The presentation slides are available for download:
EDL Grant Program Informational Webinar Slides (PDF)
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. (Grant Number: LS-259193-OLS-25) The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.