Staying connected: CN’s Digital Skills Training is the answer to helping your community thrive in the digital world
Tampa, Fla. (July 16, 2025) - At Connected Nation (CN), it’s our mission to expand high-speed internet access across the nation and equip everyone with essential skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. That’s why our Digital Skills Training (DST) program exists – to train eager learners in basic technology skills.
Interested organizations partner with CN and host local workshops to provide basic digital skills to individuals nationwide. People of all ages and skill levels have participated in these trainings since CN launched them in partnership with AT&T in 2022.
While the average class size is around 10 to 15 people, it is not uncommon to have over thirty participants. In total, over 13,000 people have been trained via CN’s workshops in 17 states to-date!
Our team members work with organizations to deliver technology skill training to those within their respective communities. Workshops are held either in person or virtually and are available in both English and Spanish, so you can learn in the language you're most comfortable with or learn tech terminology in a second language.
Additionally, these training sessions are available at no cost to host organizations! CN staff will meet with you to plan your workshops, create your marketing package, and provide a trainer.
Even after the workshops end, access to learning continues. After attending a class, every student receives a link to an online learning portal where they can review material and continue practicing at their own pace.
Class topics
There are many training topics available to choose from. During the Computer Basics training, participants learn about operating systems and essential computer skills like navigating the desktop, managing windows, creating and deleting files, and more.
The Internet Basics training covers how to use popular web browsers and make the most of search engines, while the Internet Safety course goes over how to stay protected online by creating secure accounts and avoiding scams.
The Mobile Device Basics workshop teaches participants how to successfully navigate iPhone and Android devices, along with other tips and tricks. The Email Basics class helps learners understand the basics of email, from creating an account to sending messages to managing an inbox.
Lastly, the Video Conferencing training covers how to set up a Zoom account and explore its key features so participants can stay connected with friends and family.
With so many options, CN can help train your community in a wide variety of foundational skills.
About our trainers
CN’s DST classes were created for everyone, no qualifications necessary! Our trainers are excellent at making sure everyone feels supported and empowered in each class.
Marco Mata is one of CN’s Digital Skills and Learning Facilitators who has taught many people across the nation. He will be celebrating two years with CN in October.
“Working with Connected Nation has helped me discover how capable I am, not just in teaching, but in truly connecting with people,” Mata said. “It’s sparked a deep passion in me to help close the Digital Divide and support others in gaining the skills they need to succeed in today’s world.”
CN has taken our DST program far and wide — we’ve been to senior centers, schools, community centers, churches, city offices, and even prisons. While our trainers often teach seniors, a population that did not grow up with digital media, these classes are for anyone who wants to learn technology skills in a space where no previous knowledge is required.
“Now that technology has become a central part of everyday life, especially in the U.S., there's a growing need to help people catch up,” Mata said.
One of Mata’s most memorable series of classes he ever taught was with the nonprofit Bastrop County Cares.
He conducted multiple sessions in four different cities around the incredibly scenic Bastrop County, Texas, region over the course of two weeks. Every participant in those four cities were engaged and eager to learn. Their commitment to the community made a huge impact on the success of the training.
But even after the classes were over, Bastrop County Cares wanted to continue with training. CN provided them with the tools and materials to help even more people in their community gain access to the digital world.
“It was an incredible example of what happens when strong partnerships, passionate people, and community-focused goals come together. I feel lucky to have been a part of it,” Mata said.
One participant, Brandy Hollis, was determined to learn digital skills that could help create a better future for her and her children. She learned how to use Zoom, write professional emails, and incorporate online tools to navigate technology effectively.
“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.”
How Digital Skills Training has evolved
Tammy Spring, Operations Manager of CN’s Digital Works, has been with CN since the program launched in 2013 — that’s over a decade of working to close the Digital Divide.
She has overseen many staff and DST workshops during her time at CN. She has had a front-row seat to witness countless community and individual successes.
“We have always enjoyed celebrating the success of those we have encountered in our day-to-day efforts to provide a hand up to those who seek support and assistance,” Spring said.
Spring believes that the addition of having bi-lingual trainers available helps bridge not only the Digital Divide, but a language barrier. Having trainers that can teach in both English and Spanish allows us to reach more people.
One significant addition to the program is the Open Lab Workshop option now offered alongside the six main AT&T courses. If organizations choose to host this class, participants can work directly with trainers to address their individual tech questions or issues one on one.
And, after the CN-led workshops end, we offer course materials to host organizations so they can continue their own workshops in the future!
“We provide every organization with the tools they need to continue to offer these workshops on their own moving forward,” Spring said. “Many report back after conducting their own training sessions and are very appreciative of this opportunity!”
Getting involved
The future of Digital Skills Training could have you in it! A full list of currently scheduled classes is on our website if you’re interested in finding a class near you.
If you or your organization are interested in hosting these workshops, filling out an interest form is as simple as clicking this link and answering a few quick questions. You can also follow the instructions below.
⁃ Visit www.connectednation.org
⁃ Open the navigation menu and click on “Programs”
⁃ Select “Digital Literacy & Learning”
⁃ Scroll down and click the red button labeled “Interest Form”
If you have any questions or prefer to speak with someone directly, feel free to reach out to Tammy Spring at tspring@connectednation.org. We’re happy to help!
More on Staying Connected: check out this blog to learn why digital skills are so important.