CN’s Digital Skills Trainings offer students more than just technology skills

Oklahoma City, Okla. (July 9, 2025) - As states prepare for broadband infrastructure expansion through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, it’s time to make sure you and your community are equipped with essential digital skills.

That’s where Connected Nation’s (CN) Digital Skills Training program comes in. Thanks to support from AT&T, our team offer workshops designed to enhance basic technology skills. We can come out to your community to hold the classes in person or host them virtually.

And even better, these trainings are available at no cost to host organizations.

These classes aren’t only beneficial for learning how to work a device; they support and empower participants by acting as a safe space to connect with others and ask questions.

Let’s look at a workshop held at the Community Literacy Centers (CLC) in Oklahoma City as an example of how a Digital Skills Training class can offer more than just technology training. 

CLC already provides free, in-person and online literacy classes for adults, including basic adult education, English learning, U.S. citizenship preparedness, and high school equivalency education. CN partnered with CLC to bring our Digital Skills workshops to Oklahoma City so even more of their community members could be trained.

On June 10, CN Digital Skills Trainer Marco Mata taught computer and internet basics during morning and evening classes for the center virtually through Zoom. A total of 38 people were trained over four sessions. 

While nearly 40 people learning basic digital skills is something to celebrate, that’s not where the training stopped.

The students liked the classes so much that they wanted more, so on June 17, Mata hopped on Zoom to teach even more digital skills. During these sessions, participants learned email basics and internet safety. Understanding cybersecurity after learning internet basics is vital to ensure your private information stays private.

On July 1, the students at CLC were taught even more digital skills! This time, Mata did an overview of mobile device basics and videoconferencing, completing all six courses in a total of three morning and evening sessions.

Creating confidence and possibilities

CN’s Digital Skills workshops are for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. In the classroom, trainers create a judgement-free learning environment where no question is a bad question.

In fact, CLC Education Program Coordinator Monica Cruz-Weber said that while all the students were grateful for the opportunity to learn digital literacy, one of the gentlemen from the first evening session thanked them for creating a space where everyone felt comfortable, supported, and connected.

“Hearing that meant the world to me,” she said.

Additionally, students get to connect with other class participants and trainers. This socialization is an important aspect of the classes because lasting connections and friendships can be made when a group of people with a common goal come together.

“Moments like that remind me why this work matters,” Cruz-Weber said. “Our students aren't just learning digital literacy, English, and U.S. citizenship; they're building confidence and reclaiming possibility.”

Thanks to CN’s amazing trainers, Digital Skills Training workshops are supportive spaces where anyone can ask for help and receive guidance on how to safety navigate their digital devices. The participants of the Community Literacy Program were grateful for Mata’s support throughout all the sessions.

“His patience, clarity, and calm presence created a learning environment where students felt empowered to ask questions and engage, even if they were new to technology,” Cruz-Weber said. “It was inspiring to see how seamlessly he connected with the group and how much they appreciated his guidance.”

If you want to upgrade your digital skills in a supportive environment alongside fellow community members, CN’s workshops are for you. Start your digital journey today by filling out this quick interest form or emailing Tammy Spring at tspring@connectednation.org.