​Y-ZONE is a Digital Opportunity Zone (DOZ) that will provide free or affordable internet access to at least 250 need-based households in Downtown Yonkers — up to 1,000 people — by utilizing Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum.

​Y-ZONE is more than an affordable new connectivity solution. ​It incorporates three core principles:
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1. Establish a digital equity ecosystem driven by a coalition of committed local stakeholders, including residents and program youth
2. Achieve widespread adoption through community input and engagement
​3. Advance digital fluency by providing device ownership and tech education as well as connectivity.​

​The Y-Zone is part of Project Overcome, a $2.7 million effort to expedite the delivery of broadband services to underserved communities across the United States. The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) conceived of and is providing $2.25 million in funding for the project, with Schmidt Futures joining as a financial and strategic partner to extend Project OVERCOME’s geographic reach with an additional $450,000.

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The Westchester County Association (WCA) is spearheading a 12-month pilot program, for which they have been granted $450,000 in funding. Named for the community it will serve, the Yonkers Zone (Y-Zone), is a digital equity solution in the underserved community of downtown Yonkers, NY. In order to accomplish this innovative and ambitious endeavor, the WCA has partnered with the City of Yonkers, Yonkers Partners in Education, Fordham University, Westhab and The STEM Alliance.