Special to the Record
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) recently announced the winners of the 2025 Massachusetts Goes DigitALL Awards, including Chelsea non-profit La Colaborativa.
The awards recognize individuals, organizations and initiatives for their significant contributions to expanding digital access across Massachusetts. Winners submitted applications for contributions in the categories of Digital Access Champion, Excellence in Community Impact and Lifetime Achievement.
“Massachusetts is proud to recognize key individuals and organizations making a substantial difference in expanding internet access to those who need it most,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “As we work to close the digital divide, our partners at the local and regional level are indispensable. These awardees set the standard for innovation, collaboration and impact.”
The Massachusetts Goes DigitALL event was held at Top of the Tower in Worcester to mark the state’s progress toward achieving internet for all. The event featured lightning-round presentations and provided an opportunity for professionals to network, collaborate and form partnerships.
“Over 30% of Chelsea residents lack access to high speed internet, severely impacting our community’s ability to pursue high wage jobs, connect with healthcare providers, and excel in school,” said La Colaborativa COO Alex Train. “After devoting decades to addressing the digital divide, La Colaborativa is honored to receive the Excellence in Community Impact Award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Digital Ecosystem Awards.
Train said that in partnership with Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech and MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, La Colaborativa’s Digital Equity Initiative is one of the first multilingual digital inclusion efforts in the Commonwealth.
“From exciting digital education classes and advanced workforce training to the distribution of free laptops, the program is cultivating skills, increasing access to technology, and empowering residents to secure high wage jobs in an evolving 21st century economy,” Train said. “We’re also proud to have developed the digital equity curriculum now used throughout the Commonwealth, as well as trained Digital Navigators to maximize our impact.”
This year, MBI has awarded $64.2 million in support of affordable and public housing internet through the Residential Retrofit Program, $19 million in grants to support participants of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program, $12.6 million to expand internet in 96 municipalities through the Gap Networks Grant Program, and $555,747 to nine municipalities as part of the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program.
“Over the coming decade, a dramatic transformation of the economy risks leaving our most vulnerable residents behind. La Colaborativa is committed to doubling down on our efforts to reduce the digital divide and ensure all of our community, regardless of income, can secure family-sustaining jobs and prosper,” Train said.