ECCF Awards $50K to Launch ELEVATE Pilot at Lawrence Public Library

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We’re proud to announce that the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Massachusetts Association for Computer and Internet Resources (MACIR) to launch the first pilot of the ELEVATE initiative at Lawrence Public Library.

This funding marks a critical step forward in bridging the digital divide in one of Massachusetts’ most underserved cities—while building a scalable model that can be replicated across the state.

What Is ELEVATE?

ELEVATE is a digital equity platform developed by MACIR that transforms public libraries into digital access hubs, helping patrons connect to:

  • Reliable internet
  • Laptops and mobile hotspots
  • Digital literacy coaching
  • Tech support
  • Career development tools
  • Community referrals

The platform integrates directly into existing library systems—like SirsiDynix Symphony, which is used by Lawrence Public Library and other members of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC)—making it easy to launch without disrupting library operations.

Why Lawrence?

Lawrence was selected for this pilot because of:

  • High need for digital access among residents
  • Multilingual, multicultural community deeply rooted in resilience
  • Visionary library leadership committed to community-centered innovation
  • Its position within MVLC, enabling regional scalability

“This pilot is about more than devices and Wi-Fi,” said Rachid Moukhabir, Executive Director of MACIR. “It’s about unlocking opportunity for families, job seekers, and elders who have been left behind in the digital age—starting at the community anchor they already trust: their local library.”

What the ECCF Grant Supports

The $50,000 grant from ECCF will fund:

  • Technology assessments to identify gaps and opportunities
  • Hardware procurement including laptops and mobile hotspots
  • Platform integration with Lawrence’s existing library system
  • Community engagement through listening sessions and surveys
  • Staff training and support for library workers and digital navigators
  • Soft launch of services for real-time testing and optimization

This grant is part of ECCF’s broader commitment to advancing digital equity in Essex County, ensuring every resident can participate fully in education, employment, and civic life.

A Model for Scale

The Lawrence pilot will serve as a proof of concept for expanding ELEVATE across other libraries in the MVLC region—such as Methuen and Chelmsford—and eventually statewide. With built-in compatibility with systems used by over 200 libraries in Massachusetts, ELEVATE is designed for scalable, sustainable growth.

“ECCF’s investment is helping us build a model that starts local, but is built to scale statewide,” added Rachid Moukhabir, creator of ELEVATE.

About Our Partners

  • ECCF is a philanthropic leader in Essex County working to advance systems-level change in education, economic opportunity, and digital equity.
  • MACIR is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering underserved communities through technology training, digital literacy, and workforce development.
  • Lawrence Public Library is a trusted anchor institution serving one of the most culturally rich and resilient communities in the state.

Stay Connected

We’ll be sharing updates throughout 2025 as the pilot progresses. Contact us to learn how you can bring ELEVATE to your library.

From a local library to a statewide vision—this is how equity gets built.