WORCESTER, Mass. – The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) today announced the winners of the 2025 Massachusetts Goes DigitALL Awards. The awards recognize individuals, organizations and initiatives for their significant contributions to expanding digital access across Massachusetts. Winners submitted applications for contributions in the categories of Digital Access Champion, Excellence in Community Impact and Lifetime Achievement.
The recipients are as follows:
- Digital Access Champion Award: Peter Favorito, senior digital equity manager, City of Boston
- Excellence in Community Impact Award: La Colaborativa
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Baldino, MBI director
“Massachusetts is proud to recognize key individuals and organizations making a substantial difference in expanding internet access to those who need it most,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “As we work to close the digital divide, our partners at the local and regional level are indispensable. These awardees set the standard for innovation, collaboration and impact.”
“MBI commends this year’s Digital Ecosystem Award winners on their well-earned recognition for helping improve connectivity and digital skills across Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Broadband Institute Program Executive Jody Jones. “We also give special thanks to MBI Director Michael Baldino. For more than three decades, he has spearheaded the effort to expand digital access, affordability and adoption for Massachusetts residents. We wouldn’t be where we are today without his dedication and commitment to the expansion of internet in our state.”
The Massachusetts Goes DigitALL event was held at Top of the Tower in Worcester to mark the state’s progress toward achieving internet for all. The event featured lightning-round presentations and provided an opportunity for professionals to network, collaborate and form partnerships.
This year, MBI has awarded $64.2 million in support of affordable and public housing internet through the Residential Retrofit Program, $19 million in grants to support participants of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program, $12.6 million to expand internet in 96 municipalities through the Gap Networks Grant Program, and $555,747 to nine municipalities as part of the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program.
On Sept. 4, MBI submitted a final plan through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program to achieve universal service and connect 100% of the remaining locations across the state.
About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. Learn more at broadband.masstech.org.
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