Supporting Digital Equity
Understanding the Digital Divide
The City of Pharr is committed to helping its residents bridge the divide & get the support they need to get ahead
Understanding the Digital Divide
The digital divide is the gap between people who have access to technology and the internet, and those who don’t. It’s not just about having a computer or internet connection—it includes the skills to use technology effectively, affordable access, and reliable service.
In today’s world, the digital divide creates real hardship. When people lack access to technology, they struggle to find jobs, apply for services, help their children with homework, or access healthcare. They may miss out on educational opportunities, fall victim to scams because they don’t understand how to protect themselves online, or feel isolated from their community and loved ones.
The digital divide isn’t random—it often affects the same communities that already face other challenges. In South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, many families have limited resources to afford computers or reliable internet. This means children can’t complete schoolwork at home, seniors may miss important health information, and workers lose out on job opportunities in an increasingly digital economy.
Closing the digital divide requires more than good intentions. It takes investment, partnership, leadership, and a real commitment to making sure technology and digital skills are available to everyone.
Mayor Hernandez’s Vision: Leading the Way
Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez has made closing the digital divide a priority for the City of Pharr. For years, he has advocated tirelessly for solutions—from securing federal funding to building partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions.
A Long-Term Commitment
The mayor’s approach didn’t start recently. In 2017, the City of Pharr launched PharrLifeNet, a pilot project designed to bring free internet access to 50 families in South Pharr. This was an early signal that Pharr’s leadership understood the problem and was willing to invest city resources to solve it.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the digital divide became impossible to ignore. Students couldn’t attend school virtually without internet. Families couldn’t work from home. Seniors couldn’t access telehealth services. Mayor Hernandez spoke out clearly and loudly, telling state and federal leaders that South Texas deserved attention. He pushed agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create eligibility waivers so communities like Pharr—considered urban due to population, but too small to compete with major cities—could compete for broadband funding.
His message was simple but powerful: “We cannot let our Pharr families remain behind in this digital world.”
From Vision to Action: Pharr Connect
In 2021, Pharr took a major leap forward. Mayor Hernandez announced the launch of Pharr Connect, a citywide broadband internet service network. This wasn’t just talk—it was real infrastructure that would bring fast, reliable internet to homes, schools, and public buildings across the city.
The response from state and federal leaders was clear. Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio III said the project would “be replicated in other parts of the state and country.” Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez praised the mayor for “bringing the future now.” Methodist Healthcare Ministries, a major healthcare organization, recognized the project’s importance and began looking for ways to partner with Pharr.
Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program: Making It Real
In January 2025, Mayor Hernandez’s vision reached a new milestone. The City of Pharr launched the Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program, a transformative three-year initiative funded by a $3.2 million grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas. This wasn’t just another program—it represented a serious, sustained investment in your community’s digital future.
What the Program Provides
The Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program is comprehensive because the challenge is comprehensive. It includes:
- Free digital skills training at three levels (beginner, intermediate, and proficient) so you can learn at your own pace
- Free laptops for program graduates
- Connections to additional training in public health, financial literacy, workforce development, and higher education
Classes are offered in both English and Spanish, with flexible scheduling to fit your life. Best of all—it’s completely free. There are no hidden costs, no enrollment fees. All you need to do is show up and commit to learning.
Why This Matters
Without this program, the digital divide would continue to widen. Children would fall further behind in school. Workers would miss job opportunities. Seniors would remain isolated and vulnerable. Families would continue paying more for services that others could access cheaply online.
With the program, the story changes. A parent can gain job skills that lead to better employment. A student can complete homework with a reliable computer at home. A senior can connect with family across the country and access healthcare information online. A small business owner can compete in the digital marketplace.
Pharr’s Comprehensive Approach
What makes Pharr’s approach different is that the mayor and city leaders understand that bridging the digital divide requires more than one solution. It takes infrastructure (broadband), devices (computers and laptops), skills (digital literacy training), and ongoing support.
Pharr is providing all of it. Pharr Connect fiber internet brings reliable connectivity to homes and businesses. The Digital Literacy Program teaches skills. Laptop distribution ensures people have devices. Partnerships with health organizations, schools, and workforce agencies mean residents can connect digital skills to real-life opportunities in health, education, and employment.
This is leadership that sees the problem clearly and acts decisively.
Your Role: Be Part of the Solution
The City of Pharr has done its part. Now it’s your turn. If you or someone you know has been left behind by the digital divide, the Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program is for you.
You don’t need experience. You don’t need to own a computer. You don’t need to speak fluent English. All you need is a willingness to learn and the desire to improve your future.
Register Today
Call (956) 402-2000 or visit pharr-tx.gov/dlp to register for the Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program. Ask questions, learn about class schedules, and get started on your journey to digital confidence and opportunity.
When you complete the program, you’ll walk away with real skills you can use immediately, connections to resources for employment, education, and health, and confidence that you can thrive in a digital world.
Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the City of Pharr are investing in your future. Don’t wait—take advantage of this opportunity. Your success is our success. Call (956) 402-2000 today.