Founded to Bridge the Digital Divide
Trinfo.Cafe was founded in 1999 to address the digital divide by broadening access to the internet and tech skills for Trinity College’s neighbors. As the needs of the Hartford community have changed and the internet became accessible from mobile devices, Trinfo pivoted away from providing computer literacy classes to a help-desk model. Today, patrons can come in with specific tech questions or document service needs and one of our student staff can assist. Trinfo also broadened its mission, serving as a neighborhood gathering space and community garden that connect Hartford residents with Trinity students, staff, and faculty.
Over the years, Trinfo.Café has built on a history of Trinity’s efforts to address the digital divide in Hartford. The Trinity Information Exchange (TIE) was created in 1996 to connect arts and educational organizations. TIE provided internet and email support as well as computer literacy training for local non-profits. Trinity students helped these organizations develop computer skills and websites. TIE also participated in the Hartford Housing Authority’s “Campus of Learners” initiative, which provided IT support to Hartford residents in subsidized housing. When Trinfo.Café was founded in 1999, it built on this programming and expanded tech skill course offerings for children and adults. To view past curriculum and literacy programs, click here.
Trinfo has adapted over the years to address neighboring residents’ evolving needs. Starting in July 2023, we’ll be open twenty hours a week during higher community-usage times, while we work listen to voices on our campus and in the community to chart a course for Trinfo’s next phase.