More than technology: Strengthening communities through digital skills

Bowling Green, Ky. (August 12, 2026) - In today's digital world, access to technology alone is not enough. Individuals must also have the knowledge and confidence to safely and effectively use it. Through a strong partnership, Connected Nation (CN) and AT&T are helping bridge the Digital Divide by providing free digital literacy training to some of the nation's most underserved and vulnerable populations.

Recognizing that many seniors did not grow up in the digital age, CN and AT&T partner with senior centers across the United States to offer engaging, hands-on workshops designed specifically for older adults.

These sessions cover essential topics, including internet basics, mobile device basics, email, online shopping safety, Zoom (videoconferencing), cybersecurity, and recognizing online scams. Participants gain practical skills that increase their independence, strengthen their connections with family and friends, and provide greater confidence in navigating today's digital world.

Another population often overlooked when discussing digital inclusion is individuals recovering from substance use disorders or re-entering society after incarceration. CN and AT&T proudly provide these same no-cost educational opportunities to rehabilitation facilities, city and county jails, and correctional institutions, as well as addiction treatment programs such as Shepherd's House and Chrysalis House in Lexington, Ky., and many other recovery centers throughout the country.

For many participants, these workshops represent much more than learning how to use a computer or smartphone. They provide essential life skills that prepare individuals to successfully transition back into their communities, search for employment, complete online job applications, access health care resources, communicate with family, manage finances, and utilize the countless digital services that have become a part of everyday life.

Directors and administrators at these facilities have recognized the tremendous value these workshops bring to their clients. Many have incorporated CN's digital literacy curriculum into their own life-skills programming after witnessing the increased confidence, improved digital competency, and greater independence participants demonstrate following the training.

By removing barriers to technology education, CN and AT&T are helping create opportunities for people who might otherwise be left behind. Whether assisting a senior in learning to safely navigate the internet or helping someone in recovery develop the digital skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency, these workshops are making a measurable difference in communities across America.

Through their continued commitment to digital equity, CN and AT&T are not simply teaching technology — they are empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and ensuring that more Americans have the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

CN and AT&T’s investment in digital literacy is an investment in people, creating lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom and helping build stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.

About the Author: Betty Hays is a Connected Nation Digital Literacy Trainer. Betty and her team will support Connected Nation’s Digital Literacy and Learning initiatives by planning and hosting digital literacy workshops, basic skills training, and job fairs in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, and Georgia.