July 25th, 2025
Free Computer Literacy Courses Now Open for Registration — MiFi Units Available at All Monroe County Libraries
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment to expand digital access and computer training opportunities through Monroe County Library System’s Wired for Opportunity initiative. This transformative program is designed to remove barriers to digital access and ensure residents have the tools they need to succeed in today’s increasingly connected world – with a focus on underserved individuals and older adults in the city of Rochester and rural areas of Monroe County.
Wired for Opportunity is a comprehensive, county-wide Digital Equity initiative that offers free computer education, access to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots (MiFi devices), installed solar-powered public Wi-Fi tables throughout the county and free subscriptions to the web-based learning platform Udemy at all libraries.
“This is about more than Wi-Fi or devices — it’s about giving people the tools and opportunities to succeed,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Whether it’s finding a job, learning a new skill, or staying connected, Monroe County is committed to ensuring every resident has the tools and access they need to succeed — no matter their age, background or zip code. I’m grateful to the Monroe County Library System, our federal partners and the County Legislature for making this possible.”
Key components for the Wired for Opportunity Program include:
- Expansion of Mobile Wi-Fi Access:
- Purchase of 600 new MiFi units for checkout at Monroe County Libraries, bringing the total available to more than 1,000 devices by the end of 2025.
- Library cardholders can borrow high-speed MiFi hotspots for three-week periods.
- Free Computer Literacy Courses:
- Ongoing, four-week computer literacy programs offered at senior centers, community centers, and veterans’ facilities.
- Classes range from basic computer and phone skills to courses like intermediate Excel usage and web development.
- Upon completion of four courses, families are eligible to receive a free Chromebook or Google Pixel device through 2026.
- Free Access to Udemy at Monroe County Libraries
- Monroe County library cardholders now have free access to Udemy, offering thousands of self-paced online courses on topics ranging from technology and business to wellness and creative arts.
- Udemy is also remotely available for anyone with an MCLS Library Card
- Installation of Solar-Powered Wi-Fi Tables
- 10 solar-powered tables installed across Monroe County parks and public spaces, offering 24/7 free internet access
- Solar tables can also be used to charge devices such as phones or laptops
Solar-powered Wi-Fi tables have been installed at the following locations:
- Brockport – Corbett Park – 155 Clark Street
- East Rochester – Eyer Building – 317 Main Street
- Greece – Canal Park – 241 Elmgrove Road
- Hilton – Parma Town Hall Campus & Park – 1300 Hilton Parma Corners Road o Honeoye Falls – Vest Pocket Park (Totem Pole Park) – 41 W Main Street
- Mumford – Freestyle Mercantile – 2659 Scottsville Mumford Road
- Riga – The William Maher Lodge – 836 Sanford Road South
- Rochester – Connected Communities – 616 North Goodman Street
- Rochester – Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence – 929 S. Plymouth Avenue o Rochester – Father Tracy Advocacy Center – 821 North Clinton Avenue
“In today’s world, access to the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m grateful to my friend County Executive Bello and the Monroe County Library System for leveraging federal resources to expand high-speed internet access across our community. Every family deserves reliable connectivity—for educational opportunities, telehealth appointments, job opportunities, and staying connected with loved ones. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
“I fought to pass the American Rescue Plan to deliver meaningful resources to communities across New York – and Monroe County is a shining example of that mission in action,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “This $3 million investment will give residents access to vital tools like Wi-Fi hotspots, tech training, and solar-powered public workstations. Digital access is a lifeline – for jobs, education, and staying connected. I commend County Executive Bello and the Monroe County library System for turning federal dollars into real opportunities that empower residents and strengthen the community.”
“Digital equity remains a top priority of mine, because whether it’s how we conduct business, attend medical appointments, or stay in touch with loved ones, the internet is a necessity in our society, and yet far too many people remain disconnected. I’m grateful for Monroe County’s efforts to use federal funding to bridge the digital divide and help bring high-speed internet access to the Greater Rochester community. This partnership with the Monroe County Library System will help meet the needs of urban and rural residents alike, and I was proud to help secure these resources through the American Rescue Plan Act. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that all New Yorkers have the resources they need to stay connected,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
“Without a high-speed internet connection, residents may not have access to educational opportunities, jobs, telehealth or keep in touch with friends and family,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “With the ‘Wired for Opportunity’ initiative, some barriers to digital access will be removed. That is why I’m so grateful for the work of County Executive Bello, my colleagues in the Monroe County Legislature, and the Monroe County Library System for allocating these federal funds and ensuring that we continue to expand internet access throughout our county.”
“It’s important we continue to make investments in Monroe County, particularly in our rural communities and the City of Rochester. The Wired for Opportunity initiative helps bridge the digital divide existing for the elderly and in underserved areas, ensuring residents are connected with resources; such as, access to the internet with mobile mi-fi units available from Monroe County libraries, technology training for youth, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots across Monroe County, and Udemy, an on-line learning platform. This will be a game-changer in narrowing the digital divide in Monroe County,” said Legislator Ricky Frazier. “I’m grateful for County Executive Bello, the Monroe County Library System, and our partners in federal government for making this funding available to our County so we can continue to deliver vital resources to the community.
"This investment is monumental for the westside and our rural communities," said Legislator Jackie Smith. "Expanding digital access and offering free literacy training means more families, seniors, veterans, and students in towns like ours can stay connected, learn new skills, and seize opportunities. I’m grateful to our bipartisan partners who worked together to make sure no part of Monroe County is left behind in today’s digital world."
“The Wired for Opportunity initiative is a game-changer for our community,” said Emily Clasper, Director of the Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System. “Access to digital tools and training is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Thanks to the County Executive’s leadership and this critical ARPA investment, our libraries can extend their reach, empower residents, and help close the digital divide for people of all ages and backgrounds across Monroe County.”
In 2024 alone, Mi-Fi units were the Monroe County Library System’s most checked-out item with more than 5,200 check-outs.
Free computer literacy courses start now and will run through 2026 across a variety of locations across the county. To search for available courses, click here.
For more information, visit www.wiredforopportunity.org.
