New Mexico Launches Digital Navigator Program

May 14, 2026 – New Mexico launched Tuesday a statewide digital navigator program designed to help rural residents build the skills needed to safely and effectively use the internet for work, education and healthcare.

The state’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is directing $300,000 to the Department of Workforce Solutions to launch the New MexiCorps Digital Navigator program. The effort will recruit and train navigators to provide one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and digital literacy education in rural, low-income, and older communities.

“Too many New Mexicans don’t possess digital skills and computer knowledge — whether it’s because of age, geography or income level — and we want to change that,” said Jeff Lopez, director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, in a release.

The initiative launches this summer as part of the broadband office’s broader digital opportunity strategy outlined in its three-year statewide broadband plan.

The Department of Workforce Solutions will manage the program, including recruiting, training, and paying navigators.

“For broadband expansion to truly level the playing field, we need to make sure all New Mexicans know the tools and resources that the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is providing,” said Sarita Nair, secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions.

Separately, the broadband office announced Monday completion of a $1.5 million Student Connect project serving the Lordsburg Municipal Schools District in Hidalgo County.

The project connected 395 rural student households and staff through wireless towers, fixed wireless infrastructure, and receivers built by Transworld Network LLC, also known as TWN Communications.

“Rural communities are too often left behind when it comes to affordable, high-speed internet,” Lopez said. “The delivery of this project will change student lives in the Lordsburg area.”

The project marked the second Student Connect grant awarded to TWN Communications. The provider is also deploying fixed wireless service to nearly 500 student households in Silver City through a separate $1.5 million grant.

Student Connect funding comes from the Connect New Mexico Fund, established through the Connect New Mexico Act in 2021. Lawmakers appropriated $25 million for public school broadband projects, and the broadband office launched the Student Connect program in fall 2024. 

The state’s broadband office has a goal of achieving universal access by 2029.