A quiet transformation is underway in the heart of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mycelia Foundation, a young but bold nonprofit, is tackling a persistent challenge head-on: the lack of affordable, reliable Internet access in underserved neighborhoods.
With the support of a BOLT grant from the Internet Society Foundation, Mycelia is creating lasting change for families in District 4. Through its Digital Equity Network Expansion Project, Mycelia aims to bring broadband access to 150 households, prioritizing areas like the Valley View Elementary neighborhood and the Picacho Vista Mobile Home Community.
Mycelia’s approach is deeply human-centered, driven by those who live and work in Las Cruces. In the words of Anthony Grenko, a long-time school social worker and Mycelia board member, “It became very clear that many of my students didn’t have access to the Internet at home. That really hindered the ability of these families to get ahead.”
Through strong partnerships with schools, local nonprofits, and tech companies like Electronic Caregiver and Tarana Wireless, Mycelia is not only expanding Internet access but also ensuring that the community can use it meaningfully. Their Digital Navigator program, designed with local educators and volunteers, offers one-on-one support to help residents build confidence in online tasks like telehealth, school communications, and job applications.
Valerie Ramos, a former Digital Navigator program graduate, is now a tutor who guides new participants. She shares that she has noticed a significant change in the program’s participants: “They feel more empowered… they feel like they’re actually a part of the community.”
The third component of the program provides participants with not only access and training but also a computer to use. They have received donations, including 100 laptops, for program beneficiaries. For many individuals, this is the first laptop they have ever owned.
“I am a migrant in the U.S. I did not understand the language and did not have access to the Internet. My grandson asked me to help him with his homework on the computer, but I didn’t even have a laptop or Internet access. Now, after participating in the program, I can help my grandson thrive; he is no longer left behind,” stated Ana Baltodano de Oliveros, a past program graduate, current digital navigator, and grandmother of a Valley View Elementary student.
With the three elements in place—Internet access, training, and a computer—the program is not just delivering access but also delivering agency.
🎥 Watch the impact in action