One community in Texas loved CN so much, they invited us back!

Van Horn, Texas (May 14, 2025) – If you’ve ever wondered what a “one horse town” looks like, wonder no longer. It’s very likely that Van Horn, Texas, is the best example you’ll ever get. 

The 2020 U.S. Census clocked the population at 1,941 residents, which represents a steady decline over three decades. It was at 2,063 in 2010 and 2,435 in 2000.

The small town is just about as far west in Texas as you can go – sitting along I-10 just miles from the Mexico border as the crow flies. (You can’t cross legally unless you go hundreds of miles south or north first.) 

There’s a Love’s Travel Stop; a Family Dollar; a small, county airport and hospital; and the Culberson County Nutrition Center, which recently hosted Digital Skills Training workshops led by Connected Nation (CN). 

The center delivers meals to those in need across Culberson County. In March, organizers included fliers with food deliveries that advertised a new opportunity for residents — join CN and center staff for a special workshop on April 4. 

Participants took part in two courses: Computer Basics and Mobile Device Basics. The courses were led by Marco Mata, who is the Digital Literacy & Learning Facilitator for CN.

He said those taking part were excited to have some help, guidance, and support when it comes to using technology in their daily lives. 

“I got a chance to speak with three of the participants — Linda, Adela, and Rosario — after the trainings,” said Mata. “Linda mentioned that most of the people needing these trainings are Boomers who did not grow up with technology."

“As for Rosario, she lives by herself, so having technology is important to her because she can still communicate with her family members and not have to worry about being lonely.”

Mata said Adela was excited about the ways technology could help small towns and other rural areas. 

“Adela felt knowing how to use the technology really opened up the whole world with endless possibilities,” he said. “She also mentioned how important it is to have more digital skillstraining in rural areas where the resources are so much more limited than in larger cities.” 

CN’s Digital Skills Training workshops are offered at no cost and focus on helping participants learn the essential digital skills that they need to navigate today’s modern world. These skills range from how to use a smartphone to protecting your private information online. 

“The classes were such a hit that we were invited back just a few weeks later on April 23,” said Mata. 

The center’s staff wanted to expand the number of courses offered. So, on the second day of training, Mata led workshops on Cybersecurity, Email Basics, Videoconferencing, and Internet Basics. He also answered questions during an open lab time. 

Over the two days, CN trained 52 adults in essential digital skills. 

Are you interested in bringing this program to your community either virtually or in person? Simply fill out this interest form to get the process started. Courses are offered in both Spanish and English.