Bridging the Digital Divide in Bastrop County: A success story

Bastrop, Tx. (January 8, 2025) - For the past five years, Connected Nation (CN) has been working with Bastrop County, Texas, to address broadband and technology challenges. This partnership has led to impactful results, from foundational research and community engagement to hands-on digital skills training. Bastrop County’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions.

Laying the groundwork: Surveys, mapping, and field validation

In 2020, CN conducted community technology surveys, field validation, and asset mapping across Bastrop County. These efforts provided a detailed understanding of broadband coverage and assets in the area. The field validation work targeted specific areas to verify reported service coverage, and the inventory of local assets facilitated discussions about deploying broadband services. This foundational work culminated in a comprehensive report presented to the community, which sparked ongoing efforts to improve broadband infrastructure.

As part of this initiative, CN supported meetings focused on broadband expansion. Bastrop County was also selected for the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) program.

Digital skills training: Partnering with Bastrop County Cares

Building on this foundation, CN partnered with Bastrop County Cares (BCC) to deliver digital skills training to residents. BCC’s mission is to bring people together to collaborate around large community challenges that no single organization can solve on its own to improve the conditions where its neighbors live, work, pray, and play. Recognizing the critical role of technology in areas like education, health care, and economic stability, BCC secured $150,000 from Methodist Healthcare Ministries to support digital literacy efforts.

A key component of the project was identifying a reputable partner to train the Digital Connectors who are leading this work. Austin Moline, Digital Connector Lead for BCC, explained, “Our Executive Director, Norma Mercado, identified Connected Nation as an ideal partner due to their proven track record during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, Connected Nation provided hotspots to serve highly mobile student populations, including those experiencing homelessness, foster care, and migrant or teen parenthood.”

Mercado reached out to CN after reading about its impactful work in a newsletter. She promptly scheduled a meeting to discuss how a partnership could enhance BCC’s capacity for digital literacy classes. CN offered a comprehensive package, including training for Digital Connectors, promotional materials, technical support, and incentives — all at no cost.

“This partnership presented an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a trusted organization to strengthen digital literacy in our community and ensure that residents have the skills and resources to thrive in a connected world,” Moline said.

CN’s digital skills training program was a perfect fit. BCC was able to ensure a high turnout by leveraging its strong community partnerships and social media. Over eight days in six classes, more than 320 adults were trained on topics including: Internet Safety, Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Mobile Device Basics, Videoconferencing, and Email Basics. This collaboration demonstrated a multi-sector approach, with support from county commissioners, the school district, and the tourism and economic development department.

According to Moline, the training directly aligned with BCC’s mission to address social determinants of health. “Digital literacy and access to technology are central to addressing community challenges,” he said. “These classes ensure that residents have the skills to thrive in a connected world.”

Moline shared some standout moments from the training: “In the participants’ own words: ‘Thanks to the digital workshop, I learned how to use more online tools. It boosted my confidence, and now, I get to finally tell my coworkers I can move up a position at work that I’ve been waiting on for years!’ Another participant shared, ‘This class was a godsend. My new job required me to have a device and know basic computer skills. These classes have helped me so much!’ ”

Feedback like this clearly shows the transformative impact of the classes. “The most consistent refrain is about folks using the skills to find or increase work opportunities,” Moline said. “We were also able to distribute laptops as part of the classes, which was a huge help. Additionally, we hosted sessions in partnership with the Bastrop School District for bilingual parents. They were thrilled to learn both general digital skills and how to navigate the school district’s parent portal.”

Real-life impact: Brandy Hollis’ story

Brandy Hollis, a 36-year-old single mother of three from Elgin, Texas, benefited greatly from CN’s digital skills training. She approached the program with enthusiasm and a determination to learn skills that could help her create a better future for herself and her children. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother, she found that the flexible and supportive nature of the training allowed her to focus on developing the tools she needed to succeed.

Thanks to CN’s training, Hollis learned to use Zoom, send professional emails, and navigate online tools with confidence. These newfound abilities opened a world of possibilities for her personal and professional growth. She especially appreciated learning how to tailor her résumé and present herself professionally through CN’s Digital Works program, which prepares participants for remote work opportunities.

“These classes taught me how to confidently navigate technology and communicate effectively,” she said. “The instructors were incredibly supportive and made learning accessible and enjoyable.”

Hollis’ experience demonstrates how digital skills programming can empower individuals with essential skills that can lead to new opportunities. Her story is one of hope and perseverance, showcasing how this training can help individuals overcome barriers and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

“I’m grateful for the chance to learn and grow through these classes,” Hollis said. “They’ve given me the tools I need to support my children and move forward with confidence.”

Breaking down barriers: Supporting both parents and students

In addition to its partnership with BCC, CN collaborated with the Bastrop School District to offer bilingual classes for parents. These sessions empowered participants to navigate the district’s parent portal and access vital resources for their children. Many participants highlighted how the training not only improved their digital skills but also strengthened their ability to support their children’s education.

Moline emphasized the importance of these classes in building community resilience. “The ability to access and use technology is no longer optional — it’s a necessity,” he said. “These classes are about more than skills; they’re about empowerment and inclusion.”

Looking ahead

The partnership between CN and Bastrop County continues to evolve. BCC hopes to secure additional funding to expand digital skills training, reflecting the high demand for these services. “Programs like this address the root causes of inequity by providing access to skills and technology,” Moline noted.

Reflecting on what makes this partnership unique, Moline said, “Connected Nation has great curriculum and fantastic people. On the administrative side, they’re incredibly responsive and supportive. The chance to earn incentives that can help support more classes is an amazing feature. The initial and ongoing support from Connected Nation has been fantastic throughout.”

When asked what advice he would give to other community-driven organizations, Moline said: “Stop considering and do it! These classes provide critical knowledge, and I think it is easy to underestimate how much demand there is for digital skills learning opportunities.”

For those looking to bring these impactful classes to their own communities, visit Connected Nation’s Digital Skills Training page to learn more and get started.