Bridging the Digital Divide: How digital skills training supports Black communities
Access to technology and digital skills is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. From job applications and online education to health care and financial services, digital access impacts nearly every aspect of daily life.
Yet, despite this growing reliance on technology, Black communities continue to face barriers to digital access and skills training, limiting opportunities for economic and social mobility. Programs like Connected Nation’s Digital Skills Training and Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, are working to close this gap by providing hands-on digital learning opportunities to those who need them most.
The Digital Divide: What the data tells us
The Digital Divide is not just about internet access — it’s about the ability to effectively use technology. Here are some key statistics that highlight some of the biggest disparities:
📌 Internet access gaps
- A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 68% of Black adults in the United States have home broadband access, compared with 83% of white adults. The study also noted that 15% of U.S. adults are "smartphone dependent," meaning they rely on a smartphone for internet access but do not have high-speed home broadband.
- According to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 30.6% of Black households with children at home lack home internet access, meaning they face significant barriers to online learning, telehealth, and employment opportunities.
📌 Employment and economic impact
The National Skills Coalition reports that 92% of jobs require digital skills, making digital literacy essential for workforce participation.
Black workers remain underrepresented in the tech workforce. A 2015 report from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that Black workers made up just 8% of the U.S. tech workforce, despite comprising 12% of the overall labor force. While this report remains widely cited, it is important to note that the data is nearly a decade old, highlighting the need for updated analysis.
📌 Education disparities
- The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 34% of Black households with school-aged children reported difficulty accessing reliable internet, making remote learning a challenge.
These numbers reinforce the need for targeted training programs that equip individuals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s digital world.
How Connected Nation is making a difference
At Connected Nation, we believe that hands-on digital skills training is one of the most effective ways to close the Digital Divide. Through our Digital Skills Training Program and Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, we provide free, accessible training to individuals of all ages, ensuring they can confidently navigate technology for work, school, and everyday life.
Digital Skills Training Program
Our Digital Skills Training Program partners with community organizations across the country to provide free, in-person workshops that teach essential digital skills.
📊 Program impact (as of 2025):
- 232 partner organizations
- 558 completed workshops
- 59 upcoming workshops
- 5,455 individuals trained
By providing training at no cost, we ensure that more people — especially those in underserved communities — gain the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.
➡️ Fill out an interest form here.
Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T
Young people are stepping up to help bridge the Digital Divide in their own communities. Through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, tech-savvy teens lead digital skills workshops for adults, helping them build confidence in using technology.
📊 Program impact (as of 2025):
- 68 partner organizations
- 63 active teams
- 195 completed workshops
- 3,567 adults trained
- Over 700 teens participating across 34 states
By empowering both youth and adults, Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T not only builds intergenerational learning opportunities but also strengthens digital literacy in communities that need it most.
📲 Follow the impact: @TeensTeachTech on Instagram
➡️ Get started! Fill out an interest form here.
Why digital inclusion matters
The goal of digital inclusion isn’t just about getting more people online — it’s about ensuring that everyone has the tools and skills necessary to succeed. By expanding digital literacy and training programs, we can help address economic disparities, improve access to education, and create more opportunities for individuals to participate fully in the digital economy.
As we observe Black History Month, we recognize that bridging the Digital Divide is a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive future. Programs like Digital Skills Training and Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, are part of the solution, and we’re committed to continuing this work.
Related Black History Month articles:
- Meet one of the highest-ranking Black executives at Meta
- Connected Nation celebrates outstanding Geospatial Analyst Nii Aryee during Black History Month
- Connected Nation Podcast: Breaking barriers: Black tech leaders’ vision for digital equity
- Meet the African American tech leaders who are working to close the Digital Divide for minorities in America
- African American history maker in tech — Lisa Gelobter
- Celebrating the role of Black churches in bridging the Digital Divide
- How technology can help uplift minorities in higher education
- Celebrating Project Manager Tanisha Osborne during Black History Month