About Us - Bay Area Connect

Who We Are

Bay Area Connect is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering local communities by supporting the development of digital infrastructure in areas that have been socially or economically disadvantaged. Our mission is to ensure that every community in the San Francisco Bay Area has the opportunity to participate fully in the digital world.

Our small, part-time team provides support based on community inquiries and ongoing research into regional connectivity challenges. We believe that access to reliable and affordable internet is a foundational tool for education, employment, and civic participation—and a critical factor in reducing inequity across the Bay Area.

How We Work

Bay Area Connect's activities are primarily online, combining digital outreach and tool development to strengthen community networks and promote collaboration around connectivity goals. These efforts include:

Creating educational resources
Mapping local broadband options
Connecting residents with available assistance programs

A portion of our work also involves on-the-ground engagement, including field research, community meetings, and coalition-building activities that bring together residents, local organizations, and public agencies.

Through this hybrid approach, we aim to bridge the gap between digital access and community empowerment, fostering inclusive partnerships that lead to sustainable infrastructure improvements.

What We Believe

Connectivity is Essential

Like electricity and running water, reliable internet access has become essential infrastructure. Public policy and private investment should treat it as such.

Community Knows Best

Lasting solutions come from working alongside communities, not imposing solutions from outside. Every neighborhood has unique needs and assets.

Access Creates Opportunity

When people can get online, they can access education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation in ways that transform lives and communities.

Collaboration Multiplies Impact

By bringing together government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents, we can achieve far more than any single organization working alone.

Sustainability Matters

Our goal is not just to connect communities today, but to build infrastructure and capacity that serves them for generations to come.

Equity is Non-Negotiable

The communities most affected by the digital divide deserve priority attention and resources. We focus our efforts where they're needed most.

Our Funding

All of our activities to date—and our plans for the future—are funded by donations and community partnerships. Every effort contributes to bridging the digital divide across the San Francisco Bay Area and ensuring that no neighborhood is left disconnected.

Our Vision

We envision a Bay Area where:

Every household has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet
Every student can complete homework and access online learning from home
Every job seeker can search and apply for opportunities without barrier
Every senior can access telehealth and stay connected to loved ones
Every small business can compete in the digital economy
Every resident can fully participate in civic life

This vision is achievable. With sustained effort, smart investment, and genuine partnership, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure that the innovation hub of the world serves everyone who calls it home.

About Bay Area Connect