How Digitunity Is Bridging the Digital Divide: A Conversation with Executive Director Scot Henley

Across the nation, millions of Americans lack access to a basic yet essential tool: a computer. Digitunity exists to change that. A national nonprofit, its mission is to make owning a computer possible for everyone, working not as a direct service provider, but as a systems-level catalyst. Digitunity builds sustainable, community-centered ecosystems for device access by shaping donation networks, supporting refurbishers, advising states and cities, and promoting technology reuse. Their goal? To ensure that anyone who needs a computer can get one through trusted channels.

At Endless, we share this belief that technology should open doors for everyone, and we’re proud to partner with Digitunity in advancing this work. We sat down with Scot Henley, Digitunity’s Executive Director, to learn more about the organization’s history, the challenges of digital inclusion, and where he sees the field headed next.

“Device ownership is often the forgotten part of the digital divide, and without addressing it, many people will continue to be left out.”

- Scot Henley

Executive Director, Digitunity

For those who may not be familiar with your organization, can you share the story behind Digitunity and the problem you are working to solve?
Scot: Digitunity began in the mid-1980s as the National Cristina Foundation. It was inspired by Dr. Yvette Marrin, a special education teacher with a classroom full of students facing significant challenges. When she introduced them to computers, their worlds opened up. One parent, moved by what technology could do for his child, decided to ensure more students had computer access and became a financial donor to achieve this goal. 

From there, Digitunity was born. Over the years, we’ve worked to get computers into the hands of people most impacted by the digital divide—veterans, people with disabilities, families living in poverty, and many others. Yvette was the original intellectual force behind this movement, and her vision continues to guide us today.

What does digital inclusion mean to you personally and how did you find your way to this work?
Scot: Most of my career has been spent in the nonprofit sector, leading organizations in weather and climate research as well as science education. I saw firsthand how technology can spark curiosity and empower young people. Later, I worked in tech sector sales and marketing, which gave me another perspective on how access to technology shapes opportunity.

On a personal level, I live in a rural area, and my wife is a teacher. Through her experiences, I’ve seen the digital divide up close. A lack of technology creates real barriers for students from families in generational poverty struggle. To me, digital inclusion means lasting change: ensuring people can participate fully in life and take advantage of the things that the internet makes possible, like telehealth, education, and career advancement. 

Right now, one in seven U.S. households doesn’t have a large-screen computer—that’s over 33 million people. Closing that gap is central to our mission.

Digitunity has built a strong national network of partners. Can you share an example of how those collaborations are driving real change for communities?
Scot: Digitunity serves as a field catalyst rather than a direct service organization. Our role is to support a national network of partners who are delivering impact in their communities.

One example is a Boys & Girls Club in New Jersey that ran a digital skills after-school program. Once students completed the class, they received a computer. Two brothers were thrilled with this opportunity, but what the program director didn’t know was that they had a sister with serious health challenges. With the computer they received, she was able to participate in online classes. And their father, who was out of work, used it to apply for jobs—and landed one within two weeks. That’s the kind of ripple effect we’re trying to enable nationwide.

Funders are critical to this work, too. We’ve partnered with AT&T on four national projects, totaling about $6 million in support. One of these projects explored how rural communities in Mississippi are addressing residents’ needs, and we’re expanding similar efforts in Arkansas and Louisiana. By learning what works and how challenges are overcome locally, we can help strengthen the entire field.

What are some common misconceptions about the digital divide that you wish more people understood?
Scot: The biggest misconception is that the digital divide is only about broadband access. Broadband is important (millions of homes still lack it) but infrastructure alone doesn’t solve the problem.

Recent research from the University of California, Santa Barabara shows that computer ownership is actually the most important factor in the adoption of broadband and the meaningful use of the internet, even more than having home internet. Device ownership is often the forgotten part of the digital divide, and without addressing it, many people will continue to be left out.

Endless shares Digitunity’s passion for making technology and digital skills more accessible. How do you see Endless and Digitunity’s approach as complimenting one another?
Scot: We believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right equipment and the right skills need to meet the intended use. For example, tablets may be great for older adults but not ideal for students.

One key pathway we focus on is technology reuse—giving a second life to computers that still have value. Too often, corporate equipment is destroyed when it could instead be donated. Changing IT practices to make those devices available for community use is a step in the right direction. 

Endless complements this work through programs like the Endless Access laptop program, which expands access to devices using an affordable pay-as-you-go financing model. These laptops come pre-loaded with user-friendly content, making them immediately valuable for learners and families. 

Together, Digitunity and Endless make a powerful team. Digitunity ensures that devices reach people who need them and Endless ensures those devices unlock engaging learning experiences and the skills to use them. By partnering, we can help ensure that access to technology isn’t just possible, but meaningful.

How can we, and other partners, work together to strengthen the ecosystem?
Scot: The explosion of AI brings both opportunities and risks. Many funders are shifting their attention to AI-focused projects, but without a computer, millions of people won’t have access to AI at all.

This is where Endless and our network of partners can collaborate on messaging. The digital divide doesn’t go away just because technology advances. If people don’t have devices, they’re excluded from the benefits of AI and beyond. Large funders are leaning into AI, but we need to remind the field that basic access—computers and connectivity—is still the foundation.

The landscape of digital inclusion is always evolving. What are you prioritizing right now?

Scot: It’s a challenging time in the nonprofit sector, so our work right now is focused on preparing for the next window of opportunity. Being nimble helps us adapt when environments are less than ideal. We’re keeping our eyes on the prize, so that we’re ready to act when the conditions are right.

If you could issue one call-to-action to readers who want to get involved and help advance digital equity, what would it be?
Scot: I encourage everyone to think about what happens to technology at the end of its life at your organization. Talk to your CIO or CTO about changing practices so that equipment can have a second life in the community. Donating retired devices doesn’t take much, but it can make a world of difference for families who need them.

Want to get involved? Check out digitunity.org