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Empowering Adults Through Digital Literacy

A community-driven program that connects adults with real opportunities through hands-on training, access to devices, and internet connectivity.

Become a Partner

Why It Matters

Today, digital skills are not optional – they’re essential for participating in everyday life. From applying for jobs to accessing healthcare or managing finances online, adults without digital literacy are left behind.

Millions of people own a device or a smartphone but don’t know how to use it.
The Literacy and Access Program was designed to change that – one person, one class, one device at a time.

What Is the Program?

The Literacy and Access Program is a turnkey, high-impact initiative that provides:

  • Digital skills training at all levels.
  • Access to refurbished laptops.
  • Support with internet connectivity.
  • Delivered through community-based partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local hubs.

We meet adults where they are and guide them toward where they want to be.

Sponsor a Tech Hub

What’s Included

Tiered digital literacy classes (from beginner to intermediate levels).

Refurbished devices provided by eSmart Recycling.

Connectivity support through local ISP partners.

Certified instructors funded through SPC, with Connected Nation starting August 2025 and OATS starting November 2025.

Bilingual instruction, with some classes available in Spanish.

Partner content including financial literacy, digital safety, and workforce readiness.

How to Get Involved

For Corporate Partners:

Sponsor a Tech Hub for $5,000

Gain branded visibility, impact reporting, and employee volunteer opportunities.

For Corporate Partners:

Provide curriculum (e.g., financial education, workforce training)

Co-brand with DEF and contribute to lifelong learning.

For Community Organizations:

Apply to become a host site for a Literacy & Access Tech Hub.

For Individual Donors:

$250 helps train one adult and provide the digital tools they need to succeed.

How to Get Involved

For Corporate Partners:

Sponsor a Tech Hub for $6,000

Gain branded visibility, impact reporting, and employee volunteer opportunities.

For Corporate Partners:

Provide curriculum (e.g., financial education, workforce training)

Co-brand with DEF and contribute to lifelong learning.

For Community Organizations:

Apply to become a host site for a Literacy & Access Tech Hub.

For Individual Donors:

$250 helps train one adult and provide the digital tools they need to succeed.

How We Measure Impact

  • We focus on real, measurable outcomes:
  • Number of adults trained.
  • Devices distributed.
  • Before/after self-assessments.
  •  Testimonies and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months.
  •  Stories of transformation across participating communities.

what people Always ask

Who can enroll in the program?

Adults with limited digital skills or no access to devices/internet. Priority is given to low-income and underserved communities.

Yes. Thanks to our corporate sponsors and strategic alliances, the program is 100% free to eligible participants.

Fill out our short application form. We evaluate based on location, readiness, and community need.

Absolutely. We welcome direct sponsorships, device donations, and in-kind support. Contact us to learn more.

Let’s Bridge the Digital Divide -
One Adult at a Time

Whether you’re a corporate leader, a community builder, or an individual ready to make a difference, your support creates access, equity, and opportunity.

Become a Partner
Apply to Host a Hub
Donate $250

These programs are part of an integrated model that brings together responsible tech recycling and educational transformation.

With recycled devices provided by eSmart Recycling, DEF leads implementation, training, and long-term access strategies.

“Every story we tell is a chance to bring someone new into this movement.”

Dannet Leon

Marketing & Communications Manager

Storyteller. Strategist. Builder of bridges.

Dannet leads storytelling and strategic communication at DEF, where they connect mission to message across partnerships, campaigns, and digital platforms. With experience in purpose-driven marketing and social impact storytelling, they shape the narratives that help donors, sponsors, and community partners see themselves in the work of bridging the digital divide.
From crafting pitch decks and donor campaigns to amplifying student success stories, Dannet ensures the impact of DEF is seen, felt, and supported—online and off.
Tony founded the Digital Education Foundation to scale that impact, designing turnkey programs that empower students, schools, and families through refurbished technology and digital literacy. His work is driven by a core belief: technology is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline to education, employment, and equity.

Dannet Leon

Founder & CEO

Storyteller. Strategist. Builder of bridges.

Dannet leads storytelling and strategic communication at DEF, where they connect mission to message across partnerships, campaigns, and digital platforms. With experience in purpose-driven marketing and social impact storytelling, they shape the narratives that help donors, sponsors, and community partners see themselves in the work of bridging the digital divide.
From crafting pitch decks and donor campaigns to amplifying student success stories, Dannet ensures the impact of DEF is seen, felt, and supported—online and off.
Tony founded the Digital Education Foundation to scale that impact, designing turnkey programs that empower students, schools, and families through refurbished technology and digital literacy. His work is driven by a core belief: technology is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline to education, employment, and equity.

“Every story we tell is a chance to bring someone new into this movement.”

“When we connect families to technology, we connect them to possibility.”

Veatrice Farrell

Chief Community Officer

Equity strategist. Connector. Grant-getter.

Veatrice leads DEF’s community strategy, championing access to technology for historically excluded populations. In 2025, her leadership helped secure a $6.9M federal grant recommendation from the NTIA to expand digital literacy across St. Petersburg—one of only a few projects selected nationwide.
With a background in banking and over a decade of community revitalization experience as Executive Director of Deuces Live, she brings both strategic insight and grassroots credibility. Veatrice ensures every DEF program—whether a Tech Hub, device drive, or training series—is rooted in real community need. She also co-leads Hypatia Collaborative and serves on several local arts boards, furthering her commitment to equity and cultural empowerment.

Veatrice Farrell

Chief Community Officer

Equity strategist. Connector. Grant-getter.

Veatrice leads DEF’s community strategy, championing access to technology for historically excluded populations. In 2025, her leadership helped secure a $6.9M federal grant recommendation from the NTIA to expand digital literacy across St. Petersburg—one of only a few projects selected nationwide.Tony founded the Digital Education Foundation to scale that impact, designing turnkey programs that empower students, schools, and families through refurbished technology and digital literacy. His work is driven by a core belief: technology is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline to education, employment, and equity.

“When we connect families to technology, we connect them to possibility.”

“We’re not just recycling devices. We’re transforming futures.”

Tony Selvaggio

Founder & CEO

Entrepreneur. Recycler. Impact visionary.

Tony is a purpose-driven entrepreneur focused on environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. He launched eSmart Recycling in 2014 to give discarded electronics a second life—transforming them into opportunity for underserved communities. Under his leadership, the company evolved into a leading social enterprise, blending responsible e-waste recycling with device donations and education access.
Tony founded the Digital Education Foundation to scale that impact, designing turnkey programs that empower students, schools, and families through refurbished technology and digital literacy. His work is driven by a core belief: technology is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline to education, employment, and equity.

Tony Selvaggio

Founder & CEO

Entrepreneur. Recycler. Impact visionary.

Tony is a purpose-driven entrepreneur focused on environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. He launched eSmart Recycling in 2014 to give discarded electronics a second life—transforming them into opportunity for underserved communities. Under his leadership, the company evolved into a leading social enterprise, blending responsible e-waste recycling with device donations and education access.
Tony founded the Digital Education Foundation to scale that impact, designing turnkey programs that empower students, schools, and families through refurbished technology and digital literacy. His work is driven by a core belief: technology is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline to education, employment, and equity.

“We’re not just recycling devices. We’re transforming futures.”