Digital Discovery Fair

Explore. Learn. Connect.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
 1 – 4 p.m.
 Arlington Central Library

1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22201

The Digital Equity Initiative invites residents of all ages and skill levels to Arlington's first Digital Discovery Fair! This free community event will showcase digital inclusion work, inspire curiosity through shared learning opportunities and tech demos, and offer personalized support, all in one place.

Snacks available while supplies last!

Workshops, presentations, and activities include:

• A “Tech Help Bar,” where residents can get 1:1 support from Computer CORE’s digital navigators in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Hindi, and Urdu;
• Info about affordable devices and onsite sign-up for affordable internet;
• A Laptop Donation Station, where residents can learn how to wipe and donate an old device;
• Robotic and tech demos;
• Exhibitors, including Virginia Tech, George Mason University, the FCC, nonprofits, Comcast, and County departments;
• Short talks on avoiding scams, when to use AI, and what our smart devices know about us (English only); and
• A book talk by Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Brookings fellow and author of Digitally Invisible: How the Internet Is Creating the New Underclass (English only). 

Registration is encouraged but not required. Register and find more info here.

Meta Settlement Highlights Importance of Digital Citizenship

A landmark settlement involving 47 states, Washington, D.C., and several U.S. territories is a reminder that digital equity must go beyond access alone. The proposed $17 billion settlement with Meta addresses concerns about how its platforms affect children and teens. Meta is required to adopt changes such as stronger age verification, limits on children’s daily use, nighttime and school-time restrictions, safer content controls, and stronger parental controls.

Virginia participated in the multistate effort and will receive a guaranteed $353 million under the settlement, as well as an additional $11 million from a separate settlement over claims that Meta shared nonpublic Facebook user information with third parties, including Cambridge Analytica. The settlement remains subject to court approval.

For Arlington’s Digital Equity Initiative, the settlement underscores the importance of investments in digital citizenship, ensuring everyone has the knowledge and confidence to use technology safely, thoughtfully, and responsibly. This includes protecting personal information, recognizing how platforms and algorithms can influence behavior, evaluating online information, managing digital habits, communicating responsibly, and understanding the tools available to protect ourselves and our families.

As technology continues to shape how we work, learn, and connect, investments in these skills alongside devices and internet connections is essential to ensure that access translates into safe, meaningful, and responsible participation.

Read more about the settlement from Virginia's Attorney General.

Coalition Member Spotlight

ASPIRE Afterschool Learning

In 2025, through the Arlington County Digital Equity Initiative, Aspire Afterschool Learning expanded its programming to provide digital literacy training for both students and adults. Aspire's free, high-quality afterschool and summer programs serve students in grades three through eight who are most impacted by the opportunity gap. These programs use evidence-based and experiential learning to strengthen literacy, math, and foundational skills.

Aspire's digital literacy programming for students reinforces and expands on digital skills learned in school with instruction in typing, evaluating online sources, giving presentations, and, through a partnership with Boolean Girl, coding. This programming touched over 165 students, not including summer programming.

Adult programming helps caregivers build confidence using phones and computers to access community resources, navigate their students’ online school platforms, and strengthen professional digital skills for economic mobility. Over 60 Spanish-speaking adults participated in this programming, offered in partnership with Computer CORE.

The opening of Aspire's new Makerspace during the 2025–2026 school year has provided additional space and resources to expand digital literacy offerings.

Aspire welcomes opportunities to partner with organizations interested in strengthening digital skills and literacy for Arlington students and adults. Contact Aspire to explore opportunities for collaboration!

Spread the Word & Stay Informed

Know any neighbors, friends, or colleagues who might be interested in Arlington County’s Digital Equity Initiative? Forward this newsletter and invite them to subscribe using this link.

Find news and info about the Initiative and its milestones, plus continuously updated lists of resources, on the Digital Equity Initiative Homepage.

For more updates about Community Planning, Housing and Development in Arlington County, including announcements from the Digital Equity Initiative, follow Plan Arlington VA on X (Twitter).

Questions or ideas? Contact us at DigitalEquity@arlingtonva.us.