About ELEVATE

Enhancing Literacy and Empowerment for Valued Access to Technology and Education

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Our Story

ELEVATE was born from a simple yet powerful idea: Libraries have the potential to be the beating heart of digital empowerment in every community.

Building on the success of MACIR’s leadership in the regional Digital JEDI Consortium — where thousands of residents gained digital skills, devices, and career opportunities — we recognized a crucial truth:
Libraries are already trusted digital access points, but they need better tools, training, and support.

ELEVATE was created to meet this need. It’s a platform that empowers library staff to deliver powerful digital equity services without requiring major new investments in staffing, hardware, or infrastructure.

Today, ELEVATE is piloting at the Lawrence Public Library, showing how public libraries can lead the way in closing the digital divide for thousands of residents.

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Our Mission

Turning libraries into launchpads for digital access, learning, and community empowerment.

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Our Vision

We envision a Massachusetts — and eventually, a nation — where every library can:

• Offer personalized tech support and digital navigation services
• Lend devices and connect residents to affordable internet
• Provide multilingual, culturally responsive digital literacy tools
• Support career exploration and skill-building for all ages
• Serve as trusted hubs connecting people to the resources they need

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Powered by MACIR

ELEVATE is a project of the Mass Association for Computer and Internet Resources (MACIR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through technology by bridging the digital divide and expanding access to tech careers since 2016. MACIR operates an 8-week Tech Support Job Program, approved on the Massachusetts Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), equipping learners with industry-relevant skills and certifications. Through its Computer Refurbishing Program, MACIR also empowers device distribution efforts by providing high-quality, repurposed laptops to underserved individuals. As the creator of the award-winning JEDI Integrated Digital Services Hub, MACIR has innovated how public libraries and community-based organizations deliver digital literacy, career services, and technical support. Through these initiatives, MACIR graduates are now securing internships in Help Desk roles via Digital JEDI, Hardware Support through the Refurbishing Program, and Software Support within the ELEVATE initiative. Recognizing that internships are the most critical—and often most challenging—step toward employment, MACIR is closing that gap with real-world experience. The organization has also partnered with Google to offer scholarships for Google Professional Certificates, helping students gain globally recognized credentials to launch their tech careers.

Internships That Power the Digital Access Ecosystem

Recognized Leadership in Digital Equity & Workforce Development

• Selected by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) as a 2024 Top Innovator in Digital Equity
• Listed on the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board
• Winner of the UMass Lowell Digital Equity Challenge
• Regional leaders in digital equity and workforce development
• MACIR programs are approved on the Massachusetts Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)—ensuring quality, accessibility, and alignment with statewide workforce priorities

With experience leading large-scale digital equity initiatives and forging public-private partnerships, MACIR is proud to bring its expertise to libraries across Massachusetts through ELEVATE.