Arlington Mill Community Center hosts three days of classes, trains 217 local adults in essential digital skills
Arlington, VA. (March 5, 2025) – Arlington County officials recently welcomed Connected Nation (CN) to Virginia to host a series of classes focused on essential digital skills. Classes were held at the Arlington Mill Community Center.
“There are people in just about every community who are being left out of our increasingly digital world simply because no one has taken the time to walk them through some basic lessons,” said Alek Argueta, Digital Inclusion Trainer, CN. “Imagine not knowing how to really use your smartphone or being unable to access email? It can make a person feel isolated and afraid to ask for help.”
That’s why CN offers digital skills training. These classes focus on the *essential* digital skills people need. The courses include internet, email, and computer basics, as well as mobile device basics (iOS or Android), video conferencing, and internet safety.
“Everyone at Arlington Mill Community Center did a great job providing a space for these classes and letting the community know we were coming,” said Marco Mata, Digital Literacy & Learning Facilitator, CN. “We not only were given time to go over some of our courses, but there was time set aside for an open workshop, which allowed us to answer questions and provide additional guidance to the adult learners.”
In all, 217 adult learners left their classes, held Feb. 18-20, feeling more confident about their abilities to navigate the internet and related technology.
Three days of classes, 217 adult learners
“Accessing the internet opens up a whole world for people of all ages. Older adults are no different. They want to be able to socialize, pay their bills, find new educational opportunities, or simply talk to their doctor online,” said Argueta. “Connected Nation is here to ensure everyone has those opportunities and resources by tackling the need for more readily available digital literacy programs.”
Arlington County, Virginia officials partnered with CN to provide classes for local residents at no cost to the county or participants.
Both Mata and Argueta taught essential digital skills classes throughout the three-day session. CN team members, Emily Jordan, Vice President of Foundation and Education Initiatives, and Huma Kabir, Project Manager for the Digital Skills Training program among other projects, provided additional support and took many of the photos and videos you’ll find here.
CN is a national nonprofit with a mission to provide innovative solutions for expanding the access, adoption, and use of broadband (high-speed internet) to ALL people. That includes providing the CN-led Digital Skills Training courses, which can be done virtually or in-person.
The program is made possible by support from AT&T and, as a result, can be hosted by your local organization or community at no cost. In addition, CN offers financial incentives to groups that are training the most people through the program.
To learn how to bring the program to your area, fill out this interest form or simply email Tammy Spring at tspring@connectednation.org.