The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed Oct. 6-10, 2025, as Digital Inclusion Week in Fairfax County. 

The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is committed to ensuring increased access to technology and opportunities to participate in a connected community. NCS is proud of its ongoing efforts to support digital equity for all ages and abilities, helping to expand opportunities for the more than 20,000 county households who do not have access to a computer and/or internet at home.

NCS has many programs aimed at ensuring access and knowledge for all, including:

Technology Lending Program

NCS offers a Technology Lending Program at 12 centers. The program, founded in late 2024, is offered through the Bridging the Digital Divide for Older Adults and People with Disabilities Project. The Lending Programs gives Fairfax County residents free access to equipment such as 3D printers, advanced cameras, Cricut makers and Oculus Meta Quest, among other equipment. During this year’s Digital Inclusion Week, new Chromebooks will be distributed to Lending Programs, with Chromebooks available for checkout at all NCS Community Centers later this month.

Free Wi-Fi

In addition to free Wi-Fi at NCS Community, Senior, Teen and Adult Day Health Centers, many NCS centers now have parking lot Wi-Fi access. See an interactive map of locations.

Community Technology Program

This free after-school program offers a structured environment for technology education and academic support for children and teens. Staff also provide workshops and instruction for adults during the day.

Technology Education for Older Adults

NCS offers a variety of training courses and access to computers at senior centers and online through the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA). Older adults can learn how to use equipment, navigate social media, access county services online and more through free courses.

Youth and Teen Programs

In addition to technology equipment usage and STEM projects at before- and after-school programs, NCS supports digital inclusion for youth through programs aimed at preparing for higher education or the workforce.

• NCS Re-Engagement Centers – these centers, located at more than a dozen NCS locations, prepare youth ages 14-24 for employment and educational opportunities, including supporting technology education and overcoming barriers to access to complete applications, educational requirements and more.
• Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Tech Challenge – This annual challenge asks participants to develop an app or device that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, or caregivers. High school students use STEM skills to design, test and implement their innovation, which in turn aids inclusion among older persons or persons with disabilities.

In 2024, the county developed a five-year Digital Equity Action Plan to build and improve upon existing efforts to close the digital divide in Fairfax County through collaboration, coordination and inclusive community engagement. Please visit Fairfax County's Digital Equity and Inclusion page for additional information.

The Bridging the Digital Divide project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance totaling $1,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Fairfax County’s Digital Inclusion Week is part of a national campaign supported by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). This year’s theme is “Community-Driven Digital Futures.”